8–10 Sep · London 27–29 Oct · Rotterdam 1–3 Dec · Houston 3 Days 5-Star Hotel Certificate Awarded
About This Course
Course Overview
This 3-day course is designed to provide a clear and jargon-free overview of basic refining processes, operations, and plant configuration for professionals who come from non-technical backgrounds. The programme gives attendees an effective and practical understanding of how crude oil is processed in refineries and how different processing units and configurations affect the profitability of a refinery.
The course demonstrates the importance of various process functions and unit operations required for maximising refining margins under different feedstock conditions. Topics covered include refining process, unit operations, plant configuration, crude characteristics, crude selection, refined products, product grades and specifications, supply trading, and marine freight — all illustrated through real-life examples from refining and marketing organisations worldwide.
Led by Syed, a former Senior Marketing Manager in International Operations at Saudi Aramco Corporate HQ with over 35 years of downstream expertise, the programme delivers unparalleled industry insight in an accessible, non-technical format.
Programme Content
Key Topics
01
Fundamentals of Refinery Process
What is a refinery and how does it work?
Overview of distillation and primary separation
Different processing units and their functions
How crude oil is converted into petroleum products
Key terminology explained in plain language
02
Plant Configuration & Economics
Simple vs. complex refinery configurations
How configuration impacts refinery economics and margins
Conversion units: FCC, hydrocracking, and coking
Refinery planning and scheduling principles
Developing operating and business plans
03
Crude Oil Characteristics & Selection
Crude oil characteristics: API gravity, sulphur, viscosity
Criteria for selecting feedstock for a given refinery
How crude quality affects product yields and margins
Crude assay and compatibility with refinery configuration
Calculation of feedstock cost and refining margins
Product grades, specifications, and quality standards
Environmental regulations and product specifications
How products are valued in open markets
Blending strategies to meet product specifications
05
Supply, Trading & Refining Margins
How crude supply decisions impact refining profitability
Spot and term trading of crude oil and products
Calculating crack spreads and refining margins
How refining operations are optimised for commercial gain
Price benchmarks and market pricing mechanisms
06
Marine Freight & Logistics
Overview of crude oil and product transportation by sea
Tanker types and freight rate structures
Voyage economics and freight cost calculation
Cargo documentation and trade logistics
Real-life examples from refining and marketing organisations
Learning Outcomes
What You Will Learn
By the end of this programme, you will be able to:
01Understand the fundamentals of refinery processes and how different processing units function and interact
02Assess how plant configuration and crude oil selection impact refinery profitability and product yields
03Calculate feedstock costs and refining margins and understand how refinery operations are optimised
04Identify key petroleum product grades, specifications, and how they are priced and valued in open markets
05Understand supply and trading dynamics — spot vs. term transactions, crack spreads, and margin optimisation
06Apply practical knowledge of marine freight, voyage economics, and cargo logistics in a refining context
Dates & Pricing
Sessions & Fees
All sessions are held at five-star hotel venues. Classroom only — no virtual option.
Dates
Location
Format
Fee
8–10 Sep 2026
London, UK
Classroom
£3,300 (+20% UK VAT)
27–29 Oct 2026
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Classroom
£3,300 (no VAT)
1–3 Dec 2026
Houston, USA
Classroom
£3,300 (no VAT)
Target Audience
Who Should Attend
Technical and non-technical professionals from oil & gas and financial institutions who wish to understand in a jargon-free way the physical and commercial aspects of petroleum refining.
Oil & Gas Engineers
Technical professionals seeking a commercial overview of refinery operations
Planning Engineers & Managers
Professionals involved in refinery planning, scheduling, and supply
Oil Marketing Managers & Traders
Commercial professionals handling crude oil and product marketing
New Entrants to Refinery & Petroleum
Those new to the downstream sector seeking a solid foundation
Banking & Government Officials
Officials dealing with petroleum financing, policy, and regulation
Business, Finance & Accounting Analysts
Analysts supporting commercial decisions in downstream energy
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the course trainer? +
The course is led by Syed, a former Senior Marketing Manager in International Operations at Saudi Aramco Corporate HQ, where he served as Group Head of North American Markets. An international downstream veteran with over 35 years of expertise in refinery economics, crude oil sales, supply, trading, logistics, contract negotiations, and business development.
Where and when are the 2026 sessions? +
2026 sessions: 8–10 September in London, UK; 27–29 October in Rotterdam, Netherlands; 1–3 December in Houston, USA. All sessions are held at five-star hotel venues.
What is the course fee? +
The classroom fee is £3,300 per delegate. The London session is subject to 20% UK VAT. No VAT applies to the Rotterdam and Houston sessions. Group discounts are available.
Do I need a technical background to attend? +
No. This course is specifically designed for non-technical professionals. All refinery processes and concepts are explained in plain, jargon-free language with practical real-world examples. No prior engineering or technical knowledge is required.
Is a virtual option available? +
This course is currently offered as classroom sessions only. Contact info@londonpetroacademy.co.uk to enquire about virtual delivery options.
Can this course be delivered in-house? +
Yes. All London Petro Academy courses are available as fully customisable in-house programmes delivered at your premises or any location worldwide. Contact j.rogus@londonpetroacademy.co.uk for a tailored proposal.
All London Petro Academy courses are available as fully customised in-house programmes delivered at your premises, or in London, Rotterdam, Houston or any location worldwide.
