Oil accounts for nearly 90% of South Sudan's exports and generates 90% of government revenue[reference:23]. Yet despite its vast reserves, the country faces a persistent challenge: it is landlocked and entirely dependent on Sudan's pipeline network to reach international markets through Port Sudan on the Red Sea[reference:24].
A Vulnerable Supply Chain
The fragility of this arrangement became painfully clear in early 2024. The pipeline carrying South Sudan's crude was shut down after Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) hijacked trucks carrying essential chemicals needed to treat the oil, causing it to thicken and freeze inside the pipeline[reference:25]. The shutdown lasted nearly a year, leading to a 24.5% contraction of South Sudan's economy and a 14-month hiatus in salary payments for public servants[reference:26][reference:27].
Even after resumption in January 2025, threats persist. Drone attacks on oil installations, including strikes on fuel depots storing South Sudan's crude in Port Sudan, have led to emergency shutdowns[reference:28]. In late 2025, Sudan's Ministry of Energy formally requested a "safe shutdown" of oil processing and transportation systems following a series of drone attacks near key energy infrastructure[reference:29].
Seeking Alternative Routes
In response, South Sudan is actively working to diversify its export options. In September 2025, the country signed a memorandum of understanding with Djibouti to develop river and dry ports, including access to the Damerjog liquid bulk terminal now coming online[reference:30][reference:31]. This could provide a crucial alternative outlet for crude shipments.
Additionally, South Sudan has joined the Djibouti–Ethiopia–South Sudan–Uganda (DESSU) Corridor Authority, designed to coordinate cross-border infrastructure development[reference:32].
Implications for Equipment Suppliers
For companies like Ashier, the ongoing need to maintain and rehabilitate export infrastructure creates sustained demand for industrial supplies. Key requirements include:
- Fluke thermal imagers for inspecting pipeline electrical systems and pump stations
- Siemens switchgear and protection relays for upgrading aging infrastructure
- 3M cold shrink terminations for cable repairs along the pipeline route
- Emerson pressure and flow transmitters for monitoring pipeline integrity
As South Sudan pushes toward its target of 230,000 bpd by 2026, the need for reliable equipment and local supply chains will only intensify[reference:33]. Contact Ashier to learn how we can support your operations in this challenging environment.
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