Dangote Refinery Receives Second Crude Delivery
By Patience Ikpeme
The Dangote Refinery is geared up for a major leap towards commencing production of refined petroleum products, with the recent arrival of an additional one million barrels of bonny light crude, courtesy of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).
A substantial step forward, this second consignment, sourced from the Shell terminal via the MT Otis owned by Trafigural, contributes to the anticipated six million barrels expected by the world’s largest single-train refinery.
Just a week prior, the refinery welcomed a million barrels of Agbami crude grade from Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Limited (STASCO), a significant player trading over 8 million barrels of crude oil daily in Nigeria and globally.
Mr. Akin Omole, Managing Director of Dangote Ports Operations, emphasized the refinery’s readiness, noting the anticipation of more incoming crudes by year-end, positioning the facility favorably for operations.
These deliveries mark the second phase of the 6 million barrels set to be supplied to Dangote Petroleum Refinery, serving as the cornerstone for the refinery’s inaugural run, kick-starting diesel, aviation fuel, and LPG production, followed by the production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Anticipated to play a pivotal role, this development addresses Nigeria’s and West African countries’ fuel supply challenges.
With a capacity to process various African and global crude grades, including US Light tight oil, the 650,000 barrels per day refinery not only meets Nigeria’s refined product requirements but also generates a surplus for export.
Designed for 100% Nigerian crude and adaptable to process other crudes, the refinery’s infrastructure, including Single Point Moorings (SPMs) and loading gantries, ensures efficient operations and conformity to international specifications.
Expressing delight over this milestone, Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, emphasized the significance of this achievement, highlighting the country’s prowess in delivering large-scale projects. The focus now lies on ramping up the refinery to its maximum capacity.
Osagie Okunbor, Country Chairman of Shell Companies in Nigeria, expressed Shell’s support for the refinery, foreseeing its role in producing essential fuels not just for Nigeria but also for West Africa.
A statement from Dangote Group said the refinery is poised to revolutionize the region’s fuel landscape, setting the stage for a momentous shift in production and supply dynamics.
