### BP to Supply Norwegian Crudes to Orlen Refineries
**In a significant development for the European energy landscape, BP has secured a 12-month agreement to supply crude oil from its North Sea fields in Norway to Orlen SA’s refineries in Poland and Lithuania. This strategic partnership underscores the ongoing diversification of Orlen’s feedstock portfolio, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and energy security in the region.**
**Key Highlights:**
– **Volume and Duration:** The deal involves the supply of 6 million tonnes per annum (tens of thousands of barrels per day) of Norwegian crudes. This contract covers approximately 15% of Orlen’s system-wide feedstock requirements.
– **Supply Flexibility:** The agreement allows for the flexible routing of crude oil shipments to either the Polish port of Gdańsk or the Lithuanian port of Būtinga based on Orlen’s regional demand needs. This flexibility is crucial in ensuring a stable and efficient supply chain.
– **First Delivery:** The first shipment of Norwegian crude under this contract is expected to arrive in Gdańsk in September 2024, marking an inaugural milestone in their collaboration.
**Contextual Background:**
Orlen SA, one of the leading energy companies in Poland, has been actively diversifying its crude oil sources in response to geopolitical challenges. The company began ceasing all imports of Russian oil by sea following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. By year-end 2023, Orlen completely terminated its supply contracts with Russian oil companies, marking a significant shift in their refining operations. Today, the company sources oil from various regions including the North Sea, the U.S., and West Africa.
### Diversification Efforts
Orlen’s refineries now process a diverse array of oil grades from different continents. These diverse supplies include:
– **North Sea Grades:** Receiving oil grades such as Forties and Brent from the UK, as well as Oseberg,