News and media releases

Russian refinery set to expand with investment programme

12/03/2008

The quest to increase production, generate more value-added products and meet stricter European Union specifications has led to a major modernisation project at a Russian refinery.

Mariisky NPZ LLC plans to upgrade and expand its refinery in Mari El Republic, Russian Federation, with a two-phase investment programme. The project will help the refinery to meet the Euro V diesel fuel specification and maximise the production of light, high-value products.

The first phase of modernisation will include constructing a crude distillation unit (CDU) combined with a high vacuum unit (HVU) to expand crude distillation capacity; a hydrocracker unit (HCU) to maximise the production of diesel; and a solvent deasphalting unit. Once the first phase is complete, Mariisky hopes to invest in upgrading light-end fuels via aromatics production.

Shell Global Solutions International BV was awarded the contract for the supply of basic design packages and licences for the refinery process units (combined CDU/HVU and HCU) after completion of the feasibility study.

Mariisky is currently talking to Shell Global Solutions about helping to bring the licensed units online, and it is hoped that the design work will be completed in September 2008.

The refinery currently produces straight-run naphtha, vacuum gas oil, diesel fuels and kerosene, and is expected to become a fuel-oil-free refinery manufacturing high-value products.

Alexey Mileev, Board Chairman, Mariisky NPZ LLC, says, “Our decision to alter the refining configuration will enable us to expand our refining processes and develop new products. Engaging in a relationship with Shell Global Solutions offers us not only technical advice, but also overall business consultancy, as the organisation has vast operational industry experience.”