- Total invests €1 billion in Antwerp modernization
- New refinery complex to start in early 2016
- New plant to start in early 2017
- Shutting down oldest steam cracker and polyethylene line
Investment and Strategy
Total has approved a €1 billion modernization project for its Antwerp production facilities, the largest in Europe. This investment aligns with the Group’s strategy to focus on large integrated platforms, enhancing their competitiveness.
New Projects
The modernization includes two major projects: a new refinery upgrading complex and a plant to convert low-value refinery fuel gases into low-cost petrochemical feedstock. The refinery complex, featuring a solvent de-asphalting unit and a mild hydrocracking unit, aims to produce desulphurized diesel and ultra-low sulfur heating oil, starting in early 2016. The new plant, scheduled for early 2017, will replace expensive oil-based naphtha, boosting the platform’s competitiveness.
Facility Shutdowns
As part of the modernization, two outdated production facilities will be shut down. The smallest and oldest steam cracker, currently idled, will be dismantled. Additionally, the smallest and oldest polyethylene production line will close by the end of 2014, following investments in other polyethylene lines to produce innovative polymers.
Workforce Impact
The Antwerp platform’s workforce will remain at around 1,700 employees. Staff from the facilities scheduled for shutdown will have opportunities to transition to roles in the new production facilities.
