Dangote Refinery Receives First Crude Delivery
By Patience Ikpeme
In a momentous development for Nigeria’s energy sector, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals plant received its first crude oil shipment, marking a significant step towards achieving self-sufficiency in fuel production.
The historic shipment of 1 million barrels of Agbami crude arrived from Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Limited (STASCO), marks the first phase of a 6 million-barrel supply agreement.
This initial delivery will fuel the refinery’s initial run and kickstart production of diesel, aviation fuel, and LPG, paving the way for future production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
This milestone project, designed to process 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, holds immense potential to alleviate fuel supply challenges not only for Nigeria but also for neighboring West African nations.
With the flexibility to process most African crude grades, Middle Eastern Arab Light, and US Light tight oil, the refinery can meet 100% of Nigeria’s refined product needs while generating export surpluses.
Dangote Refinery boasts an impressive infrastructure, including two Single Point Moorings (SPMs) for crude intake and three SPMs for product discharge. Its truck-loading gantries can load up to 2,900 trucks per day, ensuring efficient product distribution. Furthermore, the self-sufficient marine facility can accommodate the largest vessels globally.
Committed to environmental sustainability, all products from the refinery will conform to Euro V specifications, adhering to US EPA, European emission norms, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) standards, and African Refiners and Distribution Association (ARDA) guidelines.
Commenting on this historic occasion, Dangote Group President Aliko Dangote said “this significant milestone demonstrates our country’s ability to develop and deliver large-scale projects. We are now focusing on ramping up the refinery to its full capacity. I eagerly await the next milestone – delivering the first batch of products to the Nigerian market.”
Echoing this sentiment, Shell Companies in Nigeria Country Chairman Osagie Okunbor stated, “We welcome the startup of this refinery, poised to produce gasoline, diesel, and low-sulphur fuels for Nigeria and West Africa. We are proud to play our part in enabling this crucial development.”
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals plant is poised to revolutionize Nigeria’s energy landscape, transforming the nation into a net exporter of refined products while contributing to regional energy security and economic development.
