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Moin Refinery
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The Moín Refinery, operated by RECOPE (Refinería Costarricense de Petróleo), is the only petroleum processing facility in Costa Rica and a strategic pillar of national energy security. Located north of Puerto Limón on the Caribbean coast, the plant receives crude oil and refined products through dedicated terminals. Although actual crude oil refining was suspended in 2011 for economic reasons, Moín now serves as the central storage and distribution hub for fuels nationwide. The facility is connected via pipeline to the major consumption centers in the Central Valley. Its infrastructure includes extensive tank farms for gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and asphalt. Moín plays a decisive role in the pricing and supply control of fossil fuels. Modernization projects are currently focused on improving environmental standards and integrating biofuels into the national energy matrix.
- Location: Costa Rica
- Nearby: Boquete area / San Vito (16 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 24 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 24 |
| Rain mm | 170 | 98 | 106 | 143 | 288 | 294 | 311 | 254 | 260 | 348 | 349 | 222 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Moin Refinery is the only oil refinery in Costa Rica, playing a crucial role in the country's fuel supply. It is a central component of the national energy infrastructure.
Visiting
The refinery grounds are strictly secured and not accessible to visitors. From the nearby road to the Moin port facility, parts of the plant can be made out.
Where to view it
A good viewpoint is the quay of the nearby Moin port, from where the refinery tanks are visible. The bridge over the Moin River also has a view.
Local products
The refinery mainly produces gasoline and diesel for the Costa Rican market. In the region, tanker trucks are often seen heading to gas stations across the country.
Active season
The refinery operates continuously, with peak times during the dry season when traffic increases. Maintenance is typically scheduled in the low season.
Nearby
A visit to the refinery can be combined with the port of Moin and the city of Limón. The turtle beaches of Tortuguero are also reachable from here.
Geography
Facts
- The only petroleum facility of its kind in Costa Rica.
- Managed by the state-owned enterprise RECOPE.
- Suspended active crude oil refining operations in 2011.
- Has the largest fuel storage tank capacity in the country.
- The starting point of the national pipeline to the Central Valley.
- Primary import port for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
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Notable places around
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Sights in the town Moin Refinery (1)
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Frequently asked questions
What is the function of the Moín refinery?
It is Costa Rica's only state-owned facility for the storage and distribution of imported fuel.
Is oil currently being refined there?
No, refining operations have ceased; the facility now primarily serves as a terminal and storage center.
Where exactly is the facility located?
It is located in the Moín port complex, a few kilometers west of Puerto Limón on the Caribbean coast.
Is the site open to the public?
No, it is a secured industrial facility with strictly prohibited access for unauthorized persons.
Why is the facility economically important?
It secures the country's energy supply by handling almost all fuel imports.
Moin Refinery: where is it located?
Moin Refinery is located in Costa Rica.
Moin Refinery: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Apr.
Moin Refinery: why is it worth visiting?
The Moín Refinery, operated by RECOPE (Refinería Costarricense de Petróleo), is the only petroleum processing facility in Costa Rica and a strategic pillar of national energy security.
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