By Moses Patience Chat
Belemaoil Producing Limited (BPL), an Indigenous oil firm in Nigeria and operator of the NNPCL/BPL Joint Venture, has announced its intentions to commence the construction of a new export terminal in Kula, Akuku Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
According to the company, the export terminal when completed will serve as an alternative crude oil export route to the Shell’s operated Trans Niger Pipeline which transports an average of 180,000 barrels per day to Bonny Export Terminal.
The Manager, External Relations and Corporate Affairs, Belemaoil, Mr. Samuel Abel-Jumbo, said that the new export terminal will be constructed at Robertkiri, one of the production fields of OML-55 in Kula, and would greatly contribute to the country’s economy.
Abel-Jumbo also revealed that the idea of the alternative terminal which has been named “Belema Sweet Crude Export Terminal” was conceived by the founder of Belemaoil Producing Limited, Engr. Tein Jackrich.
“The Belema Sweet Export Terminal sited at the tip of the Atlantic Ocean between Rivers and Bayelsa states, was designed to change the narrative and ensure there is effective utilization and increased value for owners of OML-55 & her neighbourhood assets (OML18, 23, 24 & 25).
“From the construction, commissioning, and production phases, the Belema Sweet Crude Export Terminal shall be a center of opportunities for the creation of jobs, business, and community development.
“This state-of-the-art facility promises to be a major driver of future development in the region and a gateway to increased value for all stakeholders. With its advanced technology and commitment to sustainability, the Belema Sweet Crude Export Terminal represents a new era of growth and prosperity for our company and the communities we serve.
“The proposed export terminal is a huge asset and has huge benefits because Bonny has only one OML whereas Kula has about six. All operators in that area would have to export through Belema Sweet Crude (terminal),” the company said.
According to the Company, the Lead Consultant in charge of the project, Vincent Ajiro, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ajivin Nigeria Limited, announced that the loading bay of the export terminal will begin operations by December 2023.
Ajoro further explained that the terminal will stop the crude oil losses in the area because the OMLs 55,24,25,23,18, and 29 will begin to export crude oil and also process 50mscf per day of condensate and CNG.
“Instead of evacuating crude oil productions from OML 55 to Bonny Terminal again and incur 80 percent of losses of oil that pass through the channel to illegal refiners, the Belema sweet export terminal would prevent damages and give room to other assets within the area” he said.
