NABEP Resumes Operations at Orinoco Belt Furnace to Boost Production

NABEP Resumes Operations at Orinoco Belt Furnace

In a significant move for the energy sector in Venezuela, North American Blue Energy Partners (NABEP) has successfully restarted one of its critical furnaces at the Zuata 2 facility in the Orinoco Belt after a five-year hiatus. This furnace is integral to processing extra-heavy crude oil and is expected to contribute an additional 8,000 to 10,000 barrels of oil per day within the coming weeks. Over the span of a year, this revival could yield approximately 2.92 million to 3.65 million barrels of crude, translating to substantial revenues based on current oil prices.

The furnace plays a vital role in preparing the extra-heavy crude by heating it to facilitate the separation of water, a common byproduct of crude extraction. This separation is crucial to meet market standards of under 2% water in the oil before it goes to market. As part of the restoration, NABEP conducted extensive repairs and inspections to ensure the furnace's operational safety and efficiency.

According to NABEP's CEO, Alejandro Betancourt, the revival of this capacity, which has been stagnant for years, is a significant win for Venezuela as it seeks to revitalize its oil industry. Prior to the restart, the company was producing around 18,000 barrels a day. The addition of this furnace could effectively double their output.

This development is a continuation of NABEP's ambitious growth strategy, which was underscored on October 31 when the company announced plans to expand its drilling fleet to 41 rigs. By mid-October 2026, NABEP's total production had reached 223,509 barrels of oil equivalent per day, a marked increase from approximately 200,000 barrels in August. Following an agreement with U.S. government departments aimed at boosting oil production in Venezuela, the company saw its first shipment of one million barrels arrive in Texas shortly before the furnace's restart.

NABEP is authorized to manage over 65 billion barrels of proven oil reserves within Venezuela, with an ambitious target set to reach over one million barrels of oil production daily. The company aims to achieve a milestone of 500,000 barrels within the next few years, demonstrating its commitment to not only revitalizing production but also to creating employment in the region, with 5,000 people directly employed and another 10,000 contract workers supported.

With the restart of this furnace and ongoing expansions, NABEP illustrates the dynamic shifts within the Venezuelan oil industry, showcasing an increasing capability to return to the global oil market. As the company continues its path of recovery and growth, local communities and the national economy stand to benefit significantly from these developments. NABEP prioritizes responsible energy production alongside the well-being of its workforce and the communities it engages with, reinforcing its position as a key player in the region’s oil landscape.

Conclusion

NABEP's strategic decisions, particularly the restart of operations at the Zuata 2 facility, represent a pivotal step towards rebuilding Venezuela's oil production capacity. As the company advances towards its production goals, the implications for local economies and job creation are poised to be profound, offering hope for a revitalized energy sector in the country.