Port Harcourt Refinery begins operations as Shell supplies 475,000 barrels of crude oil
The Port Harcourt Refinery is set to start operations following the supply of 475,000 barrels of crude oil by Shell Petroleum Development Company Limited.
The crude oil supply is the first to be made available due to the Port Harcourt refinery rehabilitation and testing to ensure readiness for sustainable operations.
It was gathered that the Port Harcourt refinery rehabilitation has been technically completed and would commence production after Christmas barring any unforeseen circumstances, but failed to commence operation.
The NNPC Ltd. had pledged to complete Phase One of the project (mechanical completion and flare start-up) of Old Port Harcourt Refinery (Area 5) by 31st December 2023.
According to Shell: “This significant milestone was made possible through intensive preparations, collaboration, and the dedication of the Bonny Oil and Gas Terminal, (BOGT) and Port Harcourt Refinery Company, (PHRC) teams.”
It highlighted that some activities, including pressure and leak testing to assure pipeline integrity by relevant subsidiaries of the NNPC Limited and integrity and maintenance activities on the Oil and Gas Terminal, BOT Refinery export pumps, and associated instrumentation, were carried out at the terminal through diligent efforts of the BOT operations and maintenance teams.
“The recommencement of crude oil supply from the Bonny Oil and Gas Terminal to Port Harcourt Refinery is a significant achievement and a game-changer for the industry and the country. The intensive preparations, collaboration, and dedication of both teams involved were instrumental in overcoming challenges and ensuring a safe and efficient supply operation.
“This milestone will support the government’s aspiration of a steady supply of petroleum products to the downstream market and other associated benefits to the economy of the nation,” Shell added.
