- The new unit processes 50,000 barrels per day of heavy, higher-sulfur oils into transportation fuels.
- The $2 billion investment over the last decade has modernized the Antwerp refinery.
- A 130 megawatt cogeneration unit and a diesel hydrotreater have been completed in Antwerp.
- ExxonMobil is constructing a new hydrocracker in Rotterdam and considering an expansion at Fawley.
New Unit Operations
ExxonMobil has commenced operations of a new unit at its Antwerp refinery in Belgium. This unit is designed to convert heavy, higher-sulfur residual oils into high-value transportation fuels such as marine gasoil and diesel. The new unit has a capacity of 50,000 barrels per day, enhancing the refinery’s ability to meet the demand for cleaner transportation fuels in northwest Europe.
Investment and Modernization
The company has invested $2 billion in the Antwerp refinery over the past decade, making it one of the most modern and efficient facilities globally. This investment includes the new coker unit, which will help meet the anticipated demand for lower-sulfur fuel oil in compliance with new International Maritime Organization standards set for 2020.
Additional Projects
Other significant projects completed at the Antwerp refinery include a 130 megawatt cogeneration unit, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and a diesel hydrotreater that increases the production capacity for low-sulfur diesel. These projects enable modern diesel engines to achieve lower emissions standards.
Future Expansions
The delayed coker is the first of several planned expansion projects aimed at strengthening ExxonMobil’s facilities in Europe. Currently, the company is constructing a new hydrocracker in Rotterdam to upgrade heavier hydrocarbon byproducts into cleaner, higher-value finished products such as EHCTM Group II base stocks and ultra-low sulfur diesel. Additionally, ExxonMobil is considering an expansion project at its Fawley refinery in the United Kingdom, which would include a new hydrotreater unit and an associated hydrogen plant to increase domestic diesel production and reduce reliance on imported fuel.
