Dangote Refinery Supply Chain Map

Visual guide to Dangote Refinery supply chain: crude import routes, product export destinations, SPM terminal operations, Lomé hub logistics, and domestic distribution networks.

Last updated: 25 August 2026 | Analysis by Calmwaters Shipping team

Refinery Overview

Capacity

650,000 bpd

Location

Lekki, Lagos

SPM Terminals

Crude Grades

30+

Crude Import Routes

Nigeria (Bonny, Qua Iboe, Brass)

Vessel Type: VLCC/Suezmax

70%

50-200 nm

Frequency: Daily

United States (Gulf Coast)

Vessel Type: VLCC

24%

8,500 nm

Frequency: Weekly

UAE (Upper Zakum)

Vessel Type: Suezmax

6,500 nm

Frequency: Monthly

SPM Terminal Operations

The Single Point Mooring (SPM) terminals at Lekki allow VLCCs to discharge crude oil directly to the refinery via floating hoses and subsea pipelines. This eliminates the need for shore-based tanker berths and enables efficient large-scale crude import operations.

SPM Terminal 1

Crude Import

Capacity: 7.2M tonnes/year

Operational

SPM Terminal 2

Crude Import

Capacity: 7.2M tonnes/year

Operational

SPM Terminal 3

Crude Import

Capacity: 7.2M tonnes/year

Operational

SPM Terminal 4

Crude Import

Capacity: 7.2M tonnes/year

Operational

SPM Terminal 5

Crude Import

Capacity: 7.2M tonnes/year

Operational

Product Export Destinations

Africa

~30%

Lomé (Togo)

Accra (Ghana)

Douala (Cameroon)

Abidjan (Ivory Coast)

Dakar (Senegal)

Vessel Type: MR/LR1

Europe

~25%

Rotterdam (Netherlands)

Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Antwerp (Belgium)

Vessel Type: LR1/LR2

Americas

~15%

Houston (USA)

Santos (Brazil)

Vessel Type: LR2

Asia

~20%

Dubai (UAE)

Singapore

Mumbai (India)

Vessel Type: LR2/VLCC

Domestic

~10%

Lagos

Rivers

Kano

Cross River

Vessel Type: MR/Coastal

Lomé Hub Integration

Hub Functions:

• Product storage and blending
• Regional distribution centre
• Landlocked country supply
• Inventory management
• Quality control

Supply Countries:

• Niger
• Burkina Faso
• Mali
• Chad
• Northern Nigeria

Domestic Distribution

Coastal Vessels

Lekki → Lagos, Rivers, Calabar, Warri

75%

MR Tanker, Coastal Tanker

Road Tankers

Depots → Filling Stations nationwide

25%

Tanker Trucks

Supply Chain Impact on Chartering

Crude Import Demand

• VLCC demand: 5-7 vessels per month
• Suezmax demand: 3-5 vessels per month
• Long-haul routes (US, UAE) increase ton-mile demand
• Nigerian crude exports reduced as feedstock

Product Export Demand

• LR1/LR2 demand: 8-12 vessels per month
• MR demand: 10-15 vessels per month
• New export routes to Europe and Americas
• Regional distribution via Lomé hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does Dangote Refinery import crude oil from?

Dangote Refinery imports crude oil primarily from Nigeria (70%), the United States (24%), and the UAE (first cargo in June 2026). The refinery processes over 30 crude grades, with Nigerian light sweet crudes (Bonny Light, Qua Iboe, Brass River) being the primary feedstock.

Where does Dangote Refinery export products?

Dangote Refinery exports refined products to Africa (Lomé, Accra, Douala, Abidjan, Dakar), Europe (Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Antwerp), the Americas (Houston, Santos), and Asia (Dubai, Singapore, Mumbai). The refinery has become a major supplier of petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel to global markets.

How does the SPM terminal work?

The Single Point Mooring (SPM) terminals at Lekki allow VLCCs (Very Large Crude Carriers) to discharge crude oil directly to the refinery via floating hoses and subsea pipelines. Five SPM terminals handle crude imports, with capacity for 36 million tonnes annually. This eliminates the need for shore-based tanker berths.

What is the Lomé hub and why is it important?

The Lomé hub in Togo serves as a regional distribution centre for Dangote products. 70-80% of Nigerian seaborne fuel passes through Lomé, where products are stored and distributed to landlocked countries (Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Chad). The hub reduces transportation costs and improves supply reliability for regional markets.

How does Dangote Refinery distribute products domestically?

Dangote distributes products domestically via coastal vessels (75% by sea) and road tankers (25% by sea, 25% by road). Coastal tankers transport products from Lekki to depots across Nigeria, including Lagos, Rivers, Kano, and Cross River states. Road tankers handle final-mile delivery to filling stations.

Need Chartering for Dangote Operations?

Our team at Calmwaters Shipping has extensive experience with Dangote Refinery logistics. We can assist with crude import chartering, product export transportation, and coastal distribution. We have access to VLCC, Suezmax, Aframax, LR1, LR2, and MR tankers.

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