An affiliate of ExxonMobil (Irving, Tex., www.exxonmobil.com), Esso Belgium, a division of ExxonMobil Petroleum & Chemical B.V.B.A., announced that it plans to install a new delayed coker unit at its Antwerp refinery to convert heavy, higher sulfur residual oils into transportation fuels products such as marine gasoil and diesel fuel. The new unit will expand the refinery’s ability to help meet energy needs throughout northwest Europe, despite a challenging industry environment.
“Our investments at this refinery, totaling more than $2 billion in less than a decade, will contribute to meeting the demand for fuels and finished products from our customers in Europe,” said Jerry Wascom, incoming president of ExxonMobil Refining & Supply Company. “This new unit, along with the recently completed 130 megawatt cogeneration unit and diesel hydrotreater at the Antwerp complex, reaffirms ExxonMobil as a leader in the European and global energy markets.”
Despite extremely low margins and industry-wide losses in Europe, due primarily to excess refining capacity, ExxonMobil is investing for the longterm in its strategic Antwerp refinery. The investment addresses an industry shortfall in capability to convert fuel oil to products such as diesel.