Esso Norge AS, an ExxonMobil affiliate, announced plans to install a new processing unit at the Slagen refinery to enable production of high quality vacuum gas oil, a higher-yield feedstock used to create finished products such as diesel. The new residual flash tower is an upgrading unit that will improve the facility’s overall crude distillation process by replacing production of heavy fuel oil with lighter, higher-value gas oil.

“The new investment in Slagen builds upon other strategic investments in Europe and further strengthens the industry-leading position of our advantaged assets in meeting increasing demand for energy,” said Jerry Wascom, president of ExxonMobil Refining and Supply Company.

“This project, coupled with a recently announced major upgrade at our Antwerp facility, will further strengthen ExxonMobil’s integrated downstream portfolio in Europe to better compete in the challenging environment our industry currently faces.”

ExxonMobil is investing for the future in its Slagen refinery despite low margins and industry-wide losses in Europe. This project demonstrates ExxonMobil’s long-term view, with strategic investments in advantaged refineries to more successfully face the challenging industry environment. The company is evaluating investments in other advantaged assets in its global refining network.

“ExxonMobil continues to optimize its world-class refining assets through strategic investments in assets with advantages over our competition,” said Stephen Hart, regional director of ExxonMobil Refining and Supply Company.

“The new processing unit at Slagen refinery supports the company’s position as a leader in the global energy market by improving the production slate at the Slagen refinery. The new unit will enable improvement in the product yield in a highly energy-efficient manner that will help further strengthen the industry-leading position of our assets.”

International comparisons show that the Slagen refinery is one of the most energy efficient refineries in the world. Since the early 1990s, the refinery has implemented internal measures to save energy, and it is 25 percent more energy-efficient today than it was in 1990.

About ExxonMobil Refining & Supply

ExxonMobil Refining & Supply and its stewarded affiliates operate a global network of reliable and efficient manufacturing plants, transportation systems, and distribution centers that provide a range of fuels, lubricants, and other high-value products and feedstocks to our customers around the world.

About Slagen Refinery

The Esso Slagen refinery started up as the first large-scale, modern refinery in Norway. The refinery was officially opened in 1961 by Prime Minister Einar Gerhardsen. The annual processing capacity is 6 million tons of crude oil, mainly sourced from the North Sea. Around 60 percent of the refinery’s production is exported, making it one of the largest export businesses in mainland Norway.

About ExxonMobil

ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM), the largest publicly traded international oil and gas company, uses technology and innovation to help meet the world’s growing energy needs. ExxonMobil holds an industry-leading inventory of resources, is the largest refiner and marketer of petroleum products, and its chemical company is one of the largest in the world.

See the site of Slagen refinery