News and media releases

Shell Global Solutions technology licensed to Marathon for new hydrocracker construction

09/05/2007

Shell Global Solutions (US) Inc. and Criterion Catalysts & Technologies have agreed with Marathon Oil Corporation (NYSE: MRO) to license technology and provide catalyst, reactor internals, process design package and technical services for a new hydrocracker at its Garyville, La, refinery.

Shell Global Solutions (US) Inc. and Criterion Catalysts & Technologies have agreed with Marathon Oil Corporation (NYSE: MRO) to license technology and provide catalyst, reactor internals, process design package and technical services for a new hydrocracker at its Garyville, La, refinery.

The Garyville Major Expansion project will increase crude throughput by 180,000 barrels per day (bpd) at the 245,000 bpd refinery, providing an additional 7.5 million gallons of ultra clean fuels each day.

“Our hydrocracking technology will allow Marathon to convert VGO (vacuum gas oil) feedstocks into marketable fuels, offering potentially significant cost benefits,” said Paul Hamilton, President of Shell Global Solutions (US) Inc.  “We are committed to providing Marathon with the right technology, operations experience and a collaborative relationship.”

Shell's hydrocracking technology converts low valued feedstocks into valuable market-ready products. This includes selective production of low sulfur gasoline components and ultra low sulfur diesel, while efficiently using H2 and minimizing low value gases.  Operator proven technology, configuration, Criterion's hydrotreating and hydrocracking catalysts, and best practices are incorporated into a total hydrocracking solution, which help provide a reliable and energy efficient operation.

Marathon is the fourth-largest United States-based integrated oil and gas company.