Plizio Visual Lab

Port Sudan Oil Refinery

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Industrial site
—°2
Port Sudan Oil Refinery (Sudan)

Weather…

The Port Sudan Oil Refinery, situated along the strategic Red Sea coast, is a foundational element of Sudan’s industrial heritage. Established in 1964 as the nation's first refinery, it was designed to process crude oil and provide essential fuel products for the domestic market. Its location near Port Sudan, the country's main maritime gateway, makes it a convenient logistics hub for both imported refined products and locally processed oil. While newer facilities have since been built inland, this coastal refinery remains crucial for the Red Sea State’s economy, acting as a vital storage and distribution terminal. Despite the challenges of aging equipment, it continues to support regional transport and shipping industries. The refinery stands as a symbol of mid-20th-century modernization and remains a key asset in Sudan's national energy security infrastructure.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C202124273134353533282522
Rain mm5102204518107

📋 Practical info

🏭
What is this place?
The Port Sudan Oil Refinery processes crude oil near the main export hub, producing essential fuel products for the Red Sea region. It is a central component of Sudan's energy infrastructure, supplying fuel to local industries, transport, and households.
🚪
Visiting
The refinery is a high-security industrial site not open to the public, viewable only from outside along surrounding roads. Visitors can see the facility from a safe distance, but entering the premises is strictly prohibited.
👀
Where to view it
The best viewpoint of the refinery is from the coastal road heading north out of Port Sudan, especially near the southern edge of the facility. From there, the characteristic flare stacks and storage tanks are visible, defining the industrial skyline.
🧺
Local products
Local petroleum products such as diesel, gasoline, and kerosene are refined in the region and used across Sudan. Local markets also offer traditional handicrafts from the area, such as leather goods and textiles, benefiting from the proximity to the port.
📆
Active season
The refinery operates continuously throughout the year, with production varying depending on crude oil availability and maintenance schedules. Peak activity is typically seen in months following crude oil harvest or during increased demand for the agricultural season.
Nearby
A visit to the refinery can be combined with a tour of the Port Sudan harbor to see the industrial infrastructure up close. Nearby, the Red Sea beaches offer recreational opportunities, and historical sites such as the Ottoman fort in Suakin are worth a detour.

Geography

Coordinates
19.62000, 37.23000

Facts

  • Oldest refinery in Sudan
  • Strategic location at the port
  • Frequent modernization plans
  • Founded in the 1960s
  • The old refinery in Port Sudan was the country's first, but today it is often only used for the limited processing of imported oil.
  • Located in the Northeast African state of Sudan.
  • The region is shaped by the Nile and the Nubian Desert.
  • Climate is mostly hot and dry, with desert and Sahel zones.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Port Sudan Oil Refinery (2)

Diving Centre Red Sea Secrets (March2023)

Dive centre in Port Sudan, offering trips to Red Sea coral reefs.

Port Sudan Breach

Viewpoint at Port Sudan harbour overlooking the coastline.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the function of the Port Sudan refinery?
It serves for processing imported crude oil and handling petroleum products at the port.
Is the refinery a tourist destination?
No, it is a security-sensitive industrial facility and not accessible to tourists.
Why is the location at the port important?
The direct proximity to the Red Sea allows for the efficient import and export of oil products.
Is there an environmental impact?
As with all refineries, strict industrial environmental regulations must be adhered to.
What role does it play in shipping?
It is an important hub for fueling ships in the Red Sea.
Port Sudan Oil Refinery: where is it located?
Port Sudan Oil Refinery is located in Sudan.
Port Sudan Oil Refinery: what is there to see?
Highlights include Diving Centre Red Sea Secrets (March2023), Port Sudan Breach.
Port Sudan Oil Refinery: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Port Sudan Oil Refinery: why is it worth visiting?
The Port Sudan Oil Refinery, situated along the strategic Red Sea coast, is a foundational element of Sudan’s industrial heritage.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Africa
More places in Sudan →

Nearby cities

History & landmarks

Nature

More places