Svanehøj partners with local distributor Soudotec to enhance safety in Africa’s fast-growing 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 million 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 our expanding focus on West African nations, it was essential for us to identify a local distributor with in-depth regional expertise. We found Soudotec to be the ideal partner due to their operations and local presence in Senegal and their 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. Our valves received fire certification in 2017, and with a life cycle of 20-25 years, our valves provide unmatched reliability and durability. As the original and sole manufacturer of Whessoe shut-off valves, we will help Soudotec set the standard in fire-safe equipment for LPG facilities in African countries, says Quentin Lanoy.