The upgrade project for Antwerp production facilities is as per the company’s strategy to focus on its large integrated platforms and make them the most competitive in the industry.
As part of the modernization project, Total will set up a new refinery upgrading complex, consisting of a solvent de-asphalting unit and a mild hydrocracking unit.
The facility is mainly planned to convert heavy fuel oil into desulphurized diesel and ultra low sulfur heating oil to meet the growing demand, while lowering environmental impact.
The new facility is scheduled to start up in early 2016.
Total will also construct a new plant to convert low value refinery fuel gases into low cost petrochemical feedstock, replacing expensive oil-based naphtha. The facility is scheduled to start up in early 2017.
Total Refining & Chemicals president Patrick Pouyanné said the upgrade will turn the Antwerp facilities into one of the most profitable platform in the refining and chemicals business of the company.
"With this investment, Total is demonstrating not only its commitment to maintaining its position as a competitive industry leader in Europe and but also its ability to adapt to market trends by reducing its production capacities and emphasizing higher value-added products that meet the most stringent environmental standards," Pouyanné said.
As part of the project, the company will also shut down two of its non-core facilities.
