ExxonMobil advances upgrading works at Singapore integrated complex

ExxonMobil Corp. is targeting startup of its multibillion-dollar upgrading project that will convert fuel oil and other bottom-of-the-barrel crude products into higher-value lube base stocks and distillates at subsidiary ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.’s Singapore integrated manufacturing complex in 2025.

The project will add 20,000 b/d of light, heavy, and extra-heavy Group II base stocks capacity, including EHC 50 and EHC 120, as well as equip the complex with proprietary technologies for production of up to 6,000 b/d of extra-heavy base stocks, including the new high-viscosity EHC 340 MAX Group II base stock to help meet the Asia Pacific’s growing lubricant demand, ExxonMobil said on June 22.

The project also will expand capacity to increase production of cleaner, ultralow-sulfur fuels and fuel-blending components, and high-quality marine fuels to enable customers to meet the International Maritime Organization’s 0.5% sulfur emission control area requirements, the operator said.

Previously scheduled for startup in 2023, the Singapore upgrade and expansion—like most large-scale industrial projects—experienced construction delays resulting from the pandemic. Throughout the height of the global health crisis, however, ExxonMobil said it was able to maintain collaboration on project-related works with suppliers and contractors, as well as complete fabrication of key equipment such as high-pressure reactors.

Upon announcing the revised timeline for the Singapore project, ExxonMobil confirmed it also recently expanded production of of EHC base stocks by 5,000 b/d at subsidiary Esso Nederland BV’s refinery in Rotterdam (OGJ Online, June 25, 2019).