The invention provides a process for preparing SAPO-11, that comprises combining in an aqueous solution alumina source, P 2 O source and a silica source in the presence of a crystallization template and a surfactant to form a gel, which is then subjected to hydrothermal crystallization and calcination. The so-formed SAPO-11, which possesses unique silicon distribution, high resistance to hydrothermal degradation (desilication) and high surface area, forms another aspect of the invention. Hydroprocessing of a vegetable oil in the presence of a catalyst comprising the Pt and SAPO-11 of the invention is also demonstrated.