ExxonMobil will expand the hydrocracker unit at its Rotterdam refinery to upgrade heavier by-products into cleaner, higher-value finished products, including EHCTM Group II base stocks and ultra-low sulphur diesel, to meet growing global market demand. The refinery will use ExxonMobil’s proprietary hydrocracking technology and be the first to produce EHC Group II base stocks in Europe. Base stocks are the main ingredients used in the production of high-quality lubricating oils and greases. Group II base stocks are higher in performance, which is advantageous in many lubricant and process oil applications.
ExxonMobil’s Rotterdam refinery plays an important role in the region and marketplace as a manufacturer of low-sulphur petroleum products and chemical feedstocks. After the expansion, the hydrocracking process will use proprietary catalysts applied in a unique refinery process configuration to efficiently produce both high-quality base stocks and ultra-low sulphur diesel. The base stocks that will be produced at Rotterdam are designed to help lubricant blenders achieve greater formulation flexibility and simplify global qualification testing. ExxonMobil’s EHC product line will enable customers to cost-effectively blend a broad range of finished lubricants to meet evolving industry requirements.
