By John Ikani
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Simbi Wabote has disclosed that the Duport Modular Refinery would commence commercial operation in July 2022.
Engr. Wabote made the disclosure on Thursday during a facility tour of the company in Egbokor, Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State.
According to him, a team from the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) would visit the facility for a final check before Duport could begin production in commercial quantity.
It is worthwhile to note that modular refineries are crude oil processing facilities with capacities of up to 30,000 barrel per day, and are being built as part of plans to curb oil theft.
They are also one of Nigeria’s strategies for salvaging its ailing oil sector and improving production.
What the NCDMB Boss is saying
Engr. Wabote said: “The plan is that on July 18, DPR will come and do the final check in terms of giving us the approval to introduce hydrocarbon into the refinery. So, between now and the end of July this refinery in addition to the one we have in Ibigwe in Imo State, will become operational.
“This will be the second refinery that will switch on in July. Currently, one of our refineries is working, which is Watersmith Modular Refinery which is producing 5,000bpd and serving the eastern market. In terms of our modular refinery operation, by July, this one will commence operation to tell you that there are modular refineries working in the country.
“There has been substantial improvements. In March, we were here to do our inspection and also had a board meeting. During the meeting, the board mandated duport to carry out a lot of activities with a view to officially commissioning this in June.
“This is the rainy season and they have got off to work. Between March and now, what I have seen is a marked improvements in terms of installation of the GPF, completion of the refinery installation. This is an energy park with a data center that is currently operational.”
Duport Modular LNG Facility Underway – CEO
On his part, Akintoye Akindele, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Duport Midstream Company Limited (DMCL), disclosed that the company has four separate assets including a refinery, gas processing facility, compressed natural gas facility, power plant, and data centre.
He said that within the next 12 months to 18 months, there would be a modular LNG facility as well.
Akindele said production would begin after the final assessment of the facility is done by the regulatory agency.
“At the moment, we can process 60 million scf of gas daily. This refinery is a 10,000 barrel per day refinery, starting with 2,500 barrel per day,” Akindele said.
“The power plant capacity is over 50 megawatts and we are starting with five megawatts. We have a 32 racks data center that can go up to 100 racks.
“What we have not done is to introduce hydrocarbons into it. We are fully done, fully installed.
“However, the way it works is, you must get the regulator who will come to do the final work-through before we start full commercial production.
“We expect that to be completed by July 28, and then full commercial production will start.
“It is now no longer in progress or under construction, it is done. Regulatory agencies must give the right to start commercial operations.”
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