Mexico Dos Bocas Refinery Project – Alloy & Brass Tube Supplier for Pemex
Project Background
Before the commissioning of the new Dos Bocas (Olmeca) Refinery, Pemex operated six traditional refineries under Mexico’s National Refining System (SNR). These facilities faced common challenges such as aging equipment, insufficient maintenance, and low utilization rates.
| Refinery | Location | Nameplate Capacity (kbpd) | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tula | Hidalgo | 315 | Important refining hub, but constrained by equipment issues and environmental concerns |
| Salina Cruz | Oaxaca | 330 | Largest and most important existing refinery, located on the Pacific coast |
| Cadereyta | Nuevo León | 275 | Key refining center in northern Mexico |
| Madero | Tamaulipas | 190 | Severely outdated, very low operating rate |
| Minatitlán | Veracruz | 285 | Long history, but consistently low utilization |
| Salamanca | Guanajuato | 245 | Moderate capacity, also facing efficiency challenges |
Total nominal capacity: ~1.64 million barrels per day.
Key issue: Despite the high design capacity, actual utilization has remained at just 40–50%, far below the global average of 70–80%.
New flagship project – The Olmeca (Dos Bocas) Refinery
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Location: Tabasco State
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Design capacity: 340 kbpd
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Status: Delivered to Pemex in 2023 and under trial operation; full commercial operation has been delayed, now expected in late 2024 or 2025.
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Significance: Once operational, Mexico’s refining capacity will approach 2 million barrels per day, with the goal of fully meeting domestic demand for gasoline and diesel while reducing dependence on U.S. fuel imports.
Business Cooperation
Since 2021, our company has been closely following this Mexico refinery project. Through our long-term partner LOGNEXT, we secured a contract to supply copper alloy tubes and pipeline fittings for the new Dos Bocas Refinery’s heat exchangers and pressure vessels.
From the second half of 2022 until September 30, 2025, we successfully supplied:
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Over 400 tons of heat-resistant alloy tubes
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Approximately 105 tons of brass tubes (C68700, C44300, C61400)
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More than 2,000 pipeline fittings
The total contract value reached around USD 4 million.
Technical Contribution
The Dos Bocas Refinery has faced long construction cycles, low efficiency in project organization, and material planning challenges. During coordination between our customer and the EPC contractor, several discrepancies in material testing, acceptance standards, and technical responses were identified.
Through official correspondence and clarification, we helped the client align with the end owner on delivery requirements. Only after confirmation did we proceed with production, inspection, shipment, and delivery. This proactive risk management effectively minimized post-delivery technical and commercial issues, ensuring reliable supply.
Customer Engagement
In February 2025, during our participation in an industry exhibition in Mexico, we visited several customers involved in this project. Thanks to multiple rounds of online meetings beforehand, the face-to-face exchanges felt like reuniting with long-time friends. Together, we expressed our shared hope for long-lasting business cooperation and friendship.
About EZ STEEL
As a trusted steel pipes supplier and pipeline solutions provider, EZ STEEL is committed to delivering high-quality products and reliable service for global projects. This successful case in Uruguay once again demonstrates our ability to provide complete pipeline solutions that combine durability, cost-effectiveness, and on-time delivery.
