At Zeeland Refinery, the refining process begins in the Crude Distillation Unit, where crude oil is separated into various components based on their boiling points. This step yields several high-quality fractions that are used either as fuels or as feedstock for industries such as plastics manufacturing.
The heavier residue from this process—known as atmospheric residue—undergoes further treatment in the Vacuum Distillation Unit, where it is processed under reduced pressure to extract heavy gas oil.
This heavy gas oil is then sent to our hydrocracking units, where it is treated with hydrogen under high pressure. This converts it into cleaner, more valuable products, similar to those from the initial distillation—used either as fuels or as raw materials in the petrochemical sector.
From Crude Oil to Clean, Reliable Energy
At Zeeland Refinery, we transform crude oil into essential fuels and chemical products through a highly efficient and advanced refining process.
Crude oil arrives at our site via a 138-kilometre underground pipeline from the Maasvlakte Oil Terminal, ensuring a safe and steady supply.
Once at the refinery, the crude is processed into a wide range of high-quality products used across transport, industry, and manufacturing. Every year, we produce around 11.5 million tonnes of finished products, 97% of which are shipped out via the Van Cittershaven terminal.
Our Main Products:
LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas)
Petrol (Gasoline)
Kerosene (used for jet fuel)
Diesel
Fuel oil (primarily for marine use)
Solvents (in smaller volumes)
Feedstocks for plastics production
Safe and Reliable Transport via Pipelines
At Zeeland Refinery, we prioritize safety and environmental protection in every aspect of our operations. That’s why we prefer to transport both crude oil and finished products via underground pipelines—widely recognized as the safest and most efficient method for moving oil-based materials.
Our primary supply line runs from the Maasvlakte Oil Terminal directly to our site in Vlissingen, ensuring a secure and uninterrupted flow of raw materials.
The management and operation of our pipelines are handled by Total Opslag en Pijpleiding Nederland (TOPN), Zeeland Refinery’s dedicated pipeline company. TOPN is responsible for regular inspections, preventative maintenance, and compliance with evolving legislation. They also coordinate closely with landowners, tenants, and property managers along the pipeline routes to ensure transparency and safety.
If you’re a landowner and notice unusual activity near the pipeline—such as unannounced digging, signs of soil movement, or discoloration in surrounding soil or water—we ask that you report it immediately. A qualified member of our team will be dispatched to assess and address the situation.