ExxonMobil advancing Singapore resid upgrade project towards 2025 startup

• ExxonMobil technology to upgrade bottom-of-the-barrel products into higher-value lubricant base stocks and cleaner fuels
• Increases production capacity of high performance base stocks by 20,000 barrels per day to meet growing demand
• Expands EHC^TM Group II base stocks slate with a new extra-heavy base stock, EHC 340 MAX^TM

SINGAPORE - ExxonMobil expects to add approximately 20,000 barrels per day of light, heavy and extra-heavy lubricant base stocks when upgrades at its Singapore integrated refining and petrochemical complex are complete in 2025.

“ExxonMobil is introducing a unique high-viscosity Group II clear and bright base stock at a large scale,” said Todd Sepulveda, vice president of Basestocks & Waxes at ExxonMobil. “We will produce EHC 340 MAX^TM using proprietary technologies that allow us to manufacture a product with performance attributes that differentiate it from other high-viscosity base stocks.” 

The Singapore Resid Upgrade Project will expand large-scale production of ExxonMobil’s global EHCTM Group II slate to meet growing demand for high-performance lubricants in the Asia-Pacific region. This project will bring additional supplies of EHC^TM 50 and EHC^TM 120 grades to the market, and up to 6,000 barrels per day of extra-heavy base stocks, including the new Group II base stock, EHC 340 MAX^TM.

EHC 340 MAX^TM complements the viscosity range of the existing EHC^TM slate with a base stock that is comparable in viscosity to Group I bright stock but allows customers to blend a wide range of high viscosity finished lubricants where traditional Group I base stocks use is limited. The new product is suitable for lubricants that require extra high viscosity, low temperature performance, high oxidation stability, high viscosity index, and a high flashpoint, which is critical for high temperature applications. Intended applications include gas engine oils, marine lubricants, greases, engine oils, industrial oils and gear oils.

“We are committed to deliver quality fuels and base stocks for high-performing finished lubricants as demand for these products in the Asia-Pacific region continues to grow,” said Sepulveda. “We also recently expanded production of EHC^TM base stocks at our Rotterdam refinery by 5,000 barrels per day.  Both of these expansions broaden our ability to provide Group II base stocks to formulators looking for more reliable product supply tailored to their specific needs.”

The Singapore Resid Upgrade Project will also enable the refinery to increase production of cleaner fuels, including high-quality marine fuels for customers to meet the International Maritime Organization’s 0.50 percent sulfur requirement. These include ultra-low sulfur diesel and products that can be further blended to meet shipping emission control area requirements.

“We continue to progress the project in collaboration with our suppliers and contractors,” said Khalid Ashraf, venture executive and project director, ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. “Even through the pandemic, we successfully completed fabrication of key equipment such as our high-pressure reactors. Our focus remains on completing the facility safely and on time to meet the needs of our customers.” 

ExxonMobil’s Singapore refinery produces a range of fuels and base stocks for industrial and automotive lubricants, and aromatics that are marketed within Singapore and exported to countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

ExxonMobil will be participating in the upcoming 2022 ICIS World Base Oils & Lubricants conference in Windsor, UK from June 26 to 28. Attendees will have a chance to visit and speak with ExxonMobil representatives during the conference to learn more about the Singapore Resid Upgrade Project and the new EHC 340 MAX^TM offer.

About ExxonMobil Basestocks

ExxonMobil is one of the world's largest manufacturers with more than 135 years of experience in developing base stocks. The company brings together the most efficient market production - ensuring a long-term, reliable supply of consistent and innovative Group I and Group II/II+ base stocks. ExxonMobil collaborates with major additive companies to create off-the-shelf solutions that meet OEM specifications in every major region of the world, serving large and growing markets. To learn more, visit www.exxonmobil.com/en/base stocks

About ExxonMobil in Singapore

ExxonMobil is one of Singapore’s largest foreign manufacturing investors with over S$25 billion in fixed asset investments. Our Singapore affiliate, ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Pte Ltd (EMAPPL), has manufacturing facilities which include an integrated world-scale refining and petrochemical complex in Jurong and Jurong Island. EMAPPL has a network of service stations under the Esso brand and is a supplier of cylinder cooking gas. It serves customers and commercial markets in the region with its industrial, aviation and marine fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and liquefied natural gas. EMAPPL also contributes to community programs in Singapore that support the arts and education, health and the environment. For more information, visit www.exxonmobil.com.sg or follow us on Instagram and Twitter.