Nearly three years after the catastrophic fire at the Matanzas Supertanker Base, Cuba has made significant progress in restoring the 200,000 cubic meters of fuel storage capacity lost in August 2022.

The four storage tanks completely destroyed in the blaze are being gradually replaced through a collaborative effort between Cuba and China. According to a report by local broadcaster TV Yumurí, the new tanks—numbered 88, 49-1, 86, and 87—are now under construction.

"Overall, the project is advancing. All four tanks have their outer shells completed, and we are now finalizing mechanical work before moving on to painting," said Richard Daniel Martínez Sánchez, an industrial engineer leading the Integrated Project Management team.

Tank 88, built by Cuban workers, is 60% complete, while the remaining three—progressing rapidly—are being constructed by Chinese crews. Unlike the original layout, the new tanks will not be clustered together. Instead, two will be placed on the lower platform and two on the upper level, Martínez Sánchez explained.

The state-owned Fuel Marketing Company is overseeing the project, which includes nearly two kilometers of perimeter fencing and seven kilometers of asphalt access roads. The new tanks are spaced farther apart and equipped with modern lightning protection systems.

The reconstruction efforts aim to transform the terminal and surrounding industrial zone into a more resilient, economically robust, and modernized facility. A major investment in advanced technology has been prioritized to enhance operational safety as a key factor in future operations.

The 2022 fire, one of Cuba's worst industrial disasters, severely impacted the country's fuel reserves. The current upgrades seek to mitigate future risks while restoring critical energy infrastructure.