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Algeria to Boost Oil Loading Capacity Algeria will nearly triple its oil tankers' loading capacity by 2009 with the construction of five offshore Single Point Mooring (SPM) berths, Energy and Mines Minister Chakib Khelil said. "The five SPM will give our country the capacity to receive giant tankers of 320,000 tonnes. This will enable us to increase our loading capacity from 85 million tonnes in 2003 to 210 million tonnes in 2009," he said. Khelil said that Algeria's goal in the next few years is to enter new oil markets, particularly in China and eastern Asia. "If you want to enter distant markets, you have to be able to receive giant tankers. In addition, we'll reduce our cost oftransportation and save an average US$70 million a year," he predicted. Algeria's goal is to export 125 million tonnes of hydrocarbon products in 2009, up from 109 million of tonnes in 2003, he said. The North African country produces around 1.2 million bpd of oil, higher than its official OPEC quota, and eventually plans to step that up to 1.5 million bpd. It currently exports refined products mainly to European markets, but has steadily increased its levels of cooperation with China and other Asian buyers in recent years. Algeria currently uses seven coastal terminals for crude oil and refined hydrocarbons products, located at Arzew, Skikda, Algiers, Annaba, Oran, plus the Tunisian facilities of Bejaia and La Skhirra. Arzew handles about 40% of the country's total hydrocarbon exports, and the port's oil loading facilities have been earmarked for upgrade by the government, which also wants to build a petrochemicals complex at Arzew, as well as a condensate refinery and desalination plant. Skikda port is currently limited to 80,000 tonne tankers. Khelil did not specify which ports will host the new SPM berths. Who Are We ? | About THISDAYOnLine.com | THISDAY People | Contact Us © Copyright 2000 Leaders & Company Limited

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