ExxonMobil informed that it began operations of a new unit at its refinery in Antwerp, aiming to convert heavy, higher sulphur residual oils into high-value transportation fuels, like marine gasoil and diesel.
The new unit, which will be able to produce 50,000 barrel-per-day, will expand the refinery’s capacity to meet demand for cleaner transportation fuels among northwest Europe.
The new coker will also target to meet demand for lower-sulphur fuel oil to comply with the new standards of the 2020 sulphur cap.
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Other projects that have been completed in Antwerp include a 130 megawatt cogeneration unit, which is able to reduce GHG emissions, and a diesel hydrotreater to increased the refinery’s production capacity for low-sulphur diesel to achieve lower emissions standards.
ExxonMobil is also constructing a new hydrocracker in Rotterdam to advance heavier hydrocarbon byproducts transition into cleaner, higher-value finished products.
What is more, the company is considering another project at its Fawley refinery in the UK that would include a new hydrotreater unit and related hydrogen plant to increase diesel production and reduce reliance on imported fuel.
Recently, MEPC 73 banned the carriage of non-compliant fuel oil for combustion purposes for propulsion or operation on board a ship. The carriage prohibition does not apply to ships employing an alternative arrangement, like scrubbers. The ban will enter into force on 1 March 2020.
In addition, a proposal recommending the implementation of an experience-building phase, EBP, to monitor the implementation of the 0.50% sulphur cap was considered. The Committee was evenly split on the proposal and invited further concrete proposals on how to enhance the implementation of regulation 18 of MARPOL Annex VI, and especially on fuel oil quality and reporting of non-availability of compliant fuel oils.
