Overview & Production
Kerosene is a highly refined, clean-burning liquid hydrocarbon fuel that plays a critical role in modern air transportation. At Zeeland Refinery, kerosene is produced using atmospheric distillation followed by advanced hydroprocessing techniques to remove impurities, particularly sulfur and aromatic compounds.
Our aviation-grade kerosene — known as Jet A-1 — meets the stringent international specifications for commercial and military aircraft, ensuring safe and efficient high-altitude performance.
Kerosene (Jet Fuel / Aviation Turbine Fuel)
Application
Commercial Aviation
Zeeland Refinery supplies Jet A-1 fuel, which powers commercial jet aircraft globally. Jet A-1 is the standard fuel used by major airlines for medium- and long-haul flights due to its thermal stability and freezing point.Military Aircraft
Military jets and transport aircraft also rely on kerosene-based fuels, often with similar or slightly modified specifications (e.g., JP-8). Our fuel meets NATO and ICAO quality requirements for aviation turbine engines.Heating Fuel (Regional Use)
In some regions, kerosene is used as a heating oil — particularly in rural or remote areas where other fuel options are limited. It offers clean combustion and low soot formation for space heaters and boilers.
Key Technical Features
High Thermal Stability
Kerosene is designed to perform under extreme temperature and pressure conditions in turbine engines without breaking down or forming carbon deposits.Low Freezing Point
Jet A-1 fuel has a freezing point of -47°C, enabling safe use in high-altitude, sub-zero flight environments where fuel system integrity is critical.High Energy-to-Weight Ratio
With approximately 43 MJ/kg, kerosene delivers excellent energy content while remaining lightweight — a crucial factor for aviation fuel efficiency.Clean and Consistent Combustion
Zeeland’s refining process ensures kerosene is free of particulates, corrosive elements, and water — minimizing engine wear, emissions, and maintenance costs.Compliance & Certification
All aviation fuels produced at Zeeland Refinery meet or exceed:ASTM D1655 and DEF STAN 91-091 (Jet A-1) standards
ICAO environmental guidelines
IATA quality protocols
NATO MIL-spec (for applicable batches)
Distribution
Zeeland Refinery delivers aviation kerosene through a secure and temperature-controlled logistics chain:
Pipeline Systems
Direct connections to regional aviation hubs, fuel farms, and blending terminals.
Specialized Road Tankers
Equipped with dedicated filtration and safety systems for delivery to smaller or regional airports.
Storage
Fuel is held in dedicated, contamination-free tanks that are regularly inspected and maintained under strict aviation fuel handling protocols.
Primary Export Markets
Most of our Jet A-1 is shipped to aviation terminals in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, with potential routing through Van Cittershaven port for broader export.
Highlights Summary
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Fuel type | Jet A-1 (Kerosene) |
| Freezing point | ≤ -47°C |
| Energy content | ~43 MJ/kg |
| Sulfur content | ≤ 0.3% (typically far lower) |
| Main uses | Commercial and military aviation |
| Distribution methods | Pipeline, aviation tankers |
| Export destinations | Belgium, Netherlands, Germany |