**BP Signs Long-Term Deal to Supply Norwegian Crude to Orlen’s Refineries**
In a significant development for the global oil and gas industry, BP has secured a 12-month contract to supply Norwegian crude oil to Orlen’s refineries in Poland and Lithuania. This agreement underscores the importance of diversification in the energy sector, particularly in the face of evolving geopolitical landscapes.
Under the deal, BP will deliver 6 million tonnes of crude oil annually from its North Sea fields offshore Norway. This supply is expected to cover approximately 15% of Orlen’s total feedstock requirements, providing the Polish refining company with the flexibility to adjust its supply chain dynamics based on demand.
The first shipment under this contract is slated to arrive at the Polish port of Gdańsk in September 2024, marking the beginning of a strategic partnership between BP and Orlen. This collaboration is a key element in Orlen’s ongoing efforts to diversify its feedstock portfolio, ensuring that they acquire oil of consistent quality from geographically close North Sea fields that is well-suited for their processing technologies.
According to Ireneusz Fąfara, President of the ORLEN Management Board, “Working with BP, a stable and well-established player, is a crucial step in diversifying our feedstock portfolio. The oil we will acquire through this contract not only meets the criteria of consistent quality but also ensures high yields, thereby enhancing the economic efficiency of our production facilities. We will continue to explore other potential areas where we can work together.”
Bogdan Kucharski, head of country for bp Poland, emphasized the importance of this agreement: “Our agreement to supply ORLEN with Norwegian crude oil is an important step for our business in Poland. It not only enhances energy security for Poland and the wider Central and Eastern European region but also underscores our commitment to advancing the energy transition. Through our trading team, we are able to supply not only North Sea crudes but also access many other types