- Shell invested $500 million in a new desulfurization unit at Pernis refinery.
- Construction began in October 2009 and completed by the end of 2011.
- The unit, HDS-6, processes heavy, high-sulfur crude oil.
- Over three million man-hours were required for the construction.
Investment and Construction
Shell has invested $500 million in a new desulfurization unit at its Pernis refinery in Rotterdam. The construction of this unit, known as HDS-6, began in October 2009 and was completed by the end of 2011. The project involved over three million man-hours of work, with more than half of the tasks carried out by Dutch companies.
Technological Advancements
The HDS-6 unit employs state-of-the-art technology developed by Shell. It uses HydroDeSulphurisation (HDS) to remove sulfur from crude oil, producing low-sulfur diesel and heating oil. The unit also incorporates the latest coating technology, thermal sprayed aluminum, to reduce corrosion risks and maintenance costs.
Environmental Compliance
The new unit meets the highest environmental standards and anticipates the stringent European requirements set for 2013. It significantly reduces energy consumption and emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment. The plant's output is primarily directed towards motorists, truck drivers, and households in Germany.
Market Adaptation
In response to changing market conditions, Shell Pernis will increasingly process heavier and higher-sulfur crude oils. The HDS-6 unit is optimally equipped to handle these changes while meeting rising product quality demands and stricter emission regulations in the Netherlands and globally.
