**BP Supplies Norwegian Crudes to Orlen’s Refineries Amid Global Energy Shifts**
In a significant move geared towards enhancing energy security and diversifying its feedstock portfolio, Orlen SA has signed a 12-month contract with bp plc to supply 6 million tonnes per year (tpy) of Norwegian crude oil from the North Sea to its refineries in Poland and Lithuania. This agreement underscores a strategic partnership aimed at bolstering operational efficiency and contributing to the company’s long-term sustainability goals.
The deal represents about 15% of Orlen’s annual crude demand and is structured to provide flexibility by directing crude oil cargoes between the Polish port of Gdańsk and the Lithuanian port of Būtinga, depending on regional demand. The first oil tanker is expected to arrive in Gdańsk in September 2024, marking the commencement of this critical supply arrangement.
According to Ireneusz Fąfara, President of the ORLEN Management Board, this partnership is a key element in the company’s efforts to diversify its feedstock portfolio. “The oil we will acquire through this contract is not only of consistent quality and sourced from geographically close North Sea fields but also has properties that ensure high yields and is well-suited to the processing technologies at our refineries,” Fafara stated. This strategic move enhances the economic efficiency of ORLEN’s production facilities, aligning with the company’s commitment to operational competitiveness.
Bogdan Kucharski, Head of Country for bp Poland, emphasized the importance of this agreement in advancing the energy transition. “Our agreement to supply ORLEN with Norwegian crude oil is an important step for our business in Poland. It also helps enhance energy security for Poland and the wider Central and Eastern European region. Through our trading team, we are able to supply not only North Sea crudes but also access many of the other types of oil ORLEN uses,” Kuch