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New Fuel Storage Tanks Emerge from the Ashes in Matanzas, Thanks to Cuba-China Collaboration

Monday, July 14, 2025 by Zoe Salinas

New Fuel Storage Tanks Emerge from the Ashes in Matanzas, Thanks to Cuba-China Collaboration
Tank at the Supertanker Base, Matanzas - Image by © Periódico Girón

Nearly three years after a devastating blaze engulfed Matanzas' critical Supertanker Base, Cuba is witnessing a slow but steady revival of this vital energy infrastructure. This reconstruction is being driven by a joint effort between Cuban teams and Chinese workers.

Local newspaper Girón reports that the construction of four new storage tanks, identified as tanks 88, 49-1, 86, and 87, is currently underway. The Cuban team is handling the construction of tank 88, which is about 60% complete. Meanwhile, Chinese crews are responsible for the remaining three tanks, which are being built on two separate sites, unlike the original tanks that were closely grouped together.

"The project is progressing well... we're in the mechanical completion phase, soon to transition to painting," explained Richard Daniel Martínez Sánchez, the engineer leading the Integrated Project Directorate. The Fuel Marketing Company (CUPET) is spearheading this investment, which includes seven kilometers of asphalt for access roads, two kilometers of perimeter fencing, increased spacing between tanks, and modern lightning protection systems. The ultimate goal is to create a safer, more resilient terminal with a fresh new look.

Echoes of Tragedy and Loss

On August 5, 2022, a lightning strike hit a crude-filled tank, triggering a series of explosions that obliterated four of the base’s eight storage tanks. The inferno, which raged for over a week, claimed the lives of at least 17 individuals, including young firefighters and rescue workers, and left numerous others injured. The environmental damage was extensive and remains only partially assessed.

Many families endured days of anxiety, desperate for news of their missing loved ones amidst the toxic smoke that enveloped Matanzas. Social media platforms were inundated with photos, prayers, and urgent pleas for help. This catastrophe deeply scarred the collective memory of the nation.

From a logistical perspective, the disaster severely impaired Cuba’s fuel storage and distribution capabilities, exacerbating an already critical energy crisis. The loss of 200,000 cubic meters of storage capacity affected not just electricity supply but also transportation and daily life for millions of Cubans.

Uncertain Timelines for Rebuilding

Despite ongoing progress, no official completion date for the reconstruction has been set. In February, CUPET shared a brief update on social media, highlighting the slow pace of work due to economic challenges, material shortages, and a reliance on foreign technological allies like China.

By April 2024, CUPET's images revealed only the foundations of tank 88 completed. Vertical welding and the installation of firewalls remained significant obstacles in the project.

While Ministry of Energy and Mines officials initially stated that only two new tanks would be built for safety reasons, recent local reports indicate that four tanks are now under construction. Each will feature containment bunds and increased spacing to prevent another large-scale disaster.

Reflections on the Past, Present, and Future

For many Cubans, the Matanzas fire remains an open wound, a tragedy that exposed systemic vulnerabilities and official mismanagement, raising more questions than answers. Today, new tanks rise amidst scaffolding and protective gear-clad workers. Yet beyond the steel and concrete, the nation still seeks clarity: when will the project be completed? What measures are in place to prevent another catastrophe? What has been the cost in lives, resources, and collective memory?

While the Supertanker Base's reconstruction is progressing, the chapter it represents in Cuba's history is far from closed. Symbolically, the flames of that tragedy continue to burn.

Key Questions About the Matanzas Supertanker Base Reconstruction

What caused the fire at the Matanzas Supertanker Base?

The fire was triggered by a lightning strike on a tank filled with crude oil, leading to a chain reaction of explosions.

How many new tanks are being constructed at the Matanzas site?

Currently, four new storage tanks are being constructed at the site as part of the reconstruction efforts.

What are the safety measures being implemented in the new construction?

The new construction includes increased distances between tanks, containment bunds, and modern lightning protection systems to enhance safety.

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