Galp Energia – Matosinhos Oil Refinery Demolition

Matosinhos oil refinery demolition project – RVA and Galp Energia, Portugal

Client: Galp Energia (GALP)
Location: Porto, Portugal
Sector/Industry: Oil Refining 
Completion: 2021 -2026

Project Background

Galp Energia (GALP) has been operating the Matosinhos Refinery site since the 1960s. The refinery was capable of processing 110kbpd of crude oil into aromatics, fuels, base oils, lubes and gas products.  In 2021, GALP made the decision to cease refinery operations on site and put together a project team to lead the decommissioning, dismantling, demolition and development of a storage and distribution facility.

Matosinhos oil refinery demolition project – RVA and Galp Energia, Portugal

Decommissioning and Demolition Challenges

Early in the planning and development process, GALP recognised that due to the significant hazards of decommissioning, dismantling and demolition, alongside a live and operational SEVESO* site, a public beach on the Atlantic Ocean and the close proximity of the local community, it required expert demolition engineering and project management support.  RVA was engaged in 2021 to provide specialist project management and demolition engineering services to support GALP with the planning, preparation, decontamination and demolition of the refinery assets.

Key elements in managing the project

  • RVA supported GALP on developing the overall demolition plan, which was issued to the APA (the Portuguese Environment Agency) and Matosinhos Municipality for approval prior to the works commencing. 
  • RVA reviewed all risk assessments, lift studies, method statements and monitored on site compliance during the works.
  • RVA supported GALP on setting up an industrial heritage area. 
  • Overall, the project is a major engineering operation which has demanded an embedded ‘one-team’ approach to ensure that GALP and RVA’s non-negotiable business driver of HSE compliance and excellence is achieved every day.  

Outcome & Ongoing Phases

I the first phase of demolition, 26 crude oil storage tanks were delivered without any safety or environmental-related incidents or impact to the surrounding area.  The work was completed on schedule and within budget.  In September 2024, the demolition of the production units commenced; this stage of the project is due to be completed late in 2026.

Crude storage tank removal/demolition without environmental incidents – RVA Group

 Client Testimonial 

GALP Portfolio Manager and Program Manager explained that:

“Petrogal S.A. recognises RVA Group as a trusted demolition consultant based on the following strengths:

  • Consistently high standard in Health, Safety and Environmental performance
  • A flexible site team that prioritises safety in all operations
  • Clear, accurate and well-structured preparation of tender documentation
  • Proactive collaboration to ensure operations follow best practices and methodologies
  • Expertise in structural assessments and technical surveys
  • Valuable support in defining optimal demolition methodologies for complex scenarios”

With over 15 years of experience in providing services to the Portuguese market and almost three and a half decades as global leaders in its specialised market, RVA is delighted to be part of the 3D&P team transforming the Matosinhos Refinery site and helping GALP to be the safest energy company in the world.

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Galp Referral Letter | 307.29 KB
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