Africa’s largest oil refinery, Dangote Refinery, has started exporting its first jet fuel cargo to Europe.
This feat represents another pioneering step for the $20 billion facility, which has been quickly increasing production since it began operations in April 2023.
The first shipment, loaded onto the vessel “Doric Breeze,” left the Lekki Free Zone in Lagos on May 27th and is now on its way to Rotterdam, Netherlands, as per data from S&P Global Commodities at Sea.
The shipment includes 45,000 metric tons of jet fuel, which was allocated to BP as part of a tender for 120,000 metric tons issued by the refinery.
Spanish refiner Cepsa also won part of this tender and is anticipated to deliver jet fuel to the continent shortly.
The recent shipment of jet fuel to Europe is one of several accomplishments in recent months. To date, Dangote has exported six cargoes of jet fuel/kerosene, all of which were delivered to Senegal, Togo, or Ghana.
S&P reports that the company is projecting the commencement of its first petrol supplies this month, with ultra-low sulphur diesel anticipated to qualify for export to Europe by the third quarter.
So far, Dangote has shipped naphtha, fuel oil, and gasoil to markets across Europe, Africa, and Asia.