Dangote Refinery, a leading petrochemical company, is gearing up for the initiation of production as it welcomes the fourth crude shipment, consisting of one million barrels of Bonny Light Crude, supplied by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL). This latest delivery marks a significant step towards the operational commencement of the world’s largest single-train refinery.
In an official statement released on Monday, Dangote Refinery revealed that this recent consignment is part of the six million barrels of crude expected for the facility. The refinery had previously received three million barrels, and according to Mr. Akin Omole, the Managing Director of Dangote Ports Operations, the remaining two million barrels are anticipated to arrive by early January 2024.
The successful delivery of the six million barrels is crucial for the refinery’s initial operations, paving the way for the production of diesel, aviation fuel, and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), with plans to produce Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.
This development holds substantial promise in addressing the fuel supply challenges faced not only by Nigeria but also by other West African countries. Designed to process 100% Nigerian crude, Dangote Petroleum Refinery boasts the flexibility to handle other African crude grades, Middle Eastern Arab Light, US Light tight oil, and crudes from various origins.
With a daily processing capacity of 650,000 barrels, the refinery is poised to meet 100% of Nigeria’s refined product requirements, including gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and aviation jet fuel. Moreover, it is equipped to export surpluses of each of these products.
The refinery’s strategic infrastructure includes two Single Point Mooring (SPM) systems located 25 kilometers from the shore for crude intake and three separate SPMs for discharging petroleum products. Additionally, the facility can load 2,900 trucks daily at its truck-loading gantries.
Dangote Refinery stands out with its self-sufficient marine facility capable of accommodating the largest vessels globally. The products from the refinery adhere to Euro V specifications, ensuring compliance with US EPA, European emission norms, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) emission/effluent norms, and African Refiners and Distribution Association (ARDA) standards.
As Dangote Refinery achieves this milestone, it positions itself as a key player in advancing Nigeria’s energy production capabilities and contributing to the regional energy landscape.