Neste Oil and ADNOC partner in VHVI base oils

Finland's Neste Oil and Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (ADNOC) have entered into a partnership concerning very high viscosity index (VHVI ) base oils. Along with the cooperation, 600,000 metric tpy of NEXBASE base oil is expected to be brought onto the market at the end of 2013. Takreer, a subsidiary of ADNOC, will supply the feedstock as well as operate and maintain the plant while Neste Oil will be responsible for the sales and marketing of the base oil on behalf of ADNOC. There will be no investment costs for Neste Oil related to this activity.

The plant will have a capacity of 500,000 metric tpy of Group III base oil to be used in blending top-tier lubricants, as well as 100,000 metric tpy of Group II base oil. The output of the plant is flexible and consists of high-quality base oils with viscosity grades from 2cSt up to 6cSt. Demand for these sulfur-free base oils is increasing globally, thanks to their ability to meet current and future performance requirements, as well as more stringent environmental standards.

Commercial production is expected to start at the end of 2013. In May 2010, Takreer awarded the EPC contract to Hyundai Engineering, and the project is proceeding on-scedule. The plant is based on EMRE's (ExxonMobil Research and Engineering) hydroisomerization technology and Neste Jacobs' distillation technology. The planned facilities also include a revamp of Takreer's existing Hydrocracker Unit, new storage tanks and integration with Takreer's existing refinery units and utilities, and are designed to comply with UAE and international environmental standards.

"We are very delighted about this partnership. It represents an important milestone in implementing Neste Oil's strategy as the new unit will increase the total NEXBASE base oil capacity to 1.3 million metric tpy. The partnership strengthens Neste Oil's position as one of the leading top-tier base oils suppliers. We offer high-quality NEXBASE product slate to the global market, and we are committed to delivering technical support and car manufacturers' extensive approval portfolio for our customers," said Matti Lehmus, an executive vice president with Neste Oil.

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