HomeNewsSvanehøj partners with Soudotec to enhance safety in Africa’s fast-growing LPG sector

Svanehøj partners with Soudotec to enhance safety in Africa’s fast-growing LPG sector

11/19/2024

In more and more African countries, governments and organizations are advocating for a switch to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to improve public health and safety. Svanehøj and Soudotec have now teamed up to supply safety equipment to the growing African LPG sector.

Over hundreds of millions of people in Africa rely on biomass, such as firewood, charcoal and agricultural waste, for cooking. This widespread use of biomass leads to significant health and environmental problems. Burning biomass in open fires or inefficient stoves releases harmful pollutants that cause respiratory illnesses, while overreliance on biomass contributes to deforestation, which harms biodiversity and accelerates desertification.

According to the largest association for LPG in Africa, The African Refiners & Distributors Association (ARDA), transitioning over 405 MM Africans to LPG by 2030 is a strategic goal in developing healthier living conditions. Moreover, the transition reduces reliance on traditional biomass fuels and deforestation. With the LPG infrastructure accelerating rapidly, it is crucial to safeguard onshore storage and distribution facilities.

Svanehøj, a leading provider of hydraulic emergency shut-off valves, hydraulic control panels, and mechanical gauges, has entered into a product distribution partnership with Soudotec, which provides expertise in fluid control and is currently supplying equipment and managing projects (mainly in the oil and gas sector) across West Africa.

With its expanding focus on West African nations, it was essential for Svanehøj to identify a local distributor with in-depth regional expertise. The company found Soudotec to be the ideal partner due to its operations and local presence in Senegal and deep understanding of local markets, says Quentin Lanoy, Sales Manager at Svanehøj

Soudotec’s role will extend beyond distribution of Svanehøj’s products to new and existing LPG storage facilities. The Soudotec team will also provide technical support, conduct maintenance and train onsite staff in Svanehøj’s Whessoe safety valves and related equipment.

“We have decided to combine our expertise with Svanehøj by signing a distribution partnership in West Africa. Our shared goal is to provide competent training and local support to Whessoe product users,” says Matthieu Jacques, CEO at Soudotec.

Regulations pave the way for a replacement strategy. As security is an integral part in accelerating LPG infrastructure, an increasing number of African countries are implementing regulations making it a necessity for LPG sites to have certified equipment. However, since many LPG storage facilities are old, installations need replacement of obsolete equipment to meet with the increasing stringent standards as of today.

Through their partnership, Svanehøj and Soudotec will consequently also work to replace outdated valves that predate current safety regulations, including those requiring fire-safe certification. As a part of the agreement, Soudotec will initiate an inventory program to assess existing installations and support end users in implementing a replacement strategy for non-compliant valves.

Some of the shut-off valves currently in use are not up to date with current regulations. Svanehøj’s valves received fire certification in 2017, and with a lifecycle of 20 yr–25 yr, our valves provide unmatched reliability and durability.

“As the original and sole manufacturer of Whessoe shut-off valves, Svanehøj will help Soudotec set the standard in fire-safe equipment for LPG facilities in African countries,” says Quentin Lanoy.

 

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