The new Shell MDS (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd’s (Shell MDS) solid wax plant
which was completed in November 2011 is expected to double its solid
wax output and strengthen its position as a leading producer of high
quality Shell Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) Sarawak hard waxes and slab waxes.
The vice president of
the gas business for Shell Upstream International in Asia and managing
director of Shell MDS Ate Visser said the Shell MDS investment in the
new solid wax plant at its GTL complex was a strategic one.
In January last year,
Shell announced an investment of RM5.1 billion to further develop its
various oil and gas facilities across the country.
The solid wax plant
expansion here in Bintulu was the first to be completed among the three
entry point projects that included a new diesel processing unit at its
Port Dickson refinery and the Gumusut-Kakap deepwater development
offshore Sabah, said Shell Malaysia chairman Iain Lo.
“This is an important achievement and ensures the Bintulu plant
and its products remain relevant as it switches to innovative and niche
products demanded by the world market,” he said during the inauguration
of Shell MDS new solid wax plant expansion project at the
gas-to-liquids (GTL) complex at Tanjung Kidurong.
Officiating at the event
was Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department and chief executive
officer of the Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu) Dato’
Sri Idris Jala.
Also in attendance were
vice president of the gas business for Shell Upstream International in
Asia and managing director of Shell MDS Ate Visser, and various other
dignitaries including the Dutch Ambassador and British High Commissioner
to Malaysia.
In fact he said the whole plant itself was significant to Shell on many factors.
“It stands as a great
example of innovation using Shell’s proprietary technologies to convert
natural gas into high quality hydrocarbon products. It showcases the
full value chain from offshore gas production development to onshore
processing to the refining of finished products,” he said.
Being a pioneer in Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) technology, the plant he said offered a blueprint for Shell to build an even bigger GTL plant in Qatar lending credence to the capability that it developed in Bintulu.
“It provides further
opportunities for high-end employment in Bintulu, allowing many of its
staff to develop niche skills that have become valuable elsewhere,” he
said adding that many of its talent here have gone to lend their skills
to help Shell in Qatar and have returned to continue supporting this
plant.
In short he pointed
Shell MDS utilises state-of-the-art technology managed by highly skilled
local Sarawakians to produce high quality specialty products that Shell
exports to over 50 countries and all done right here in Bintulu.
We believe that there is
a long-term growth potential for synthetic waxes and we are proud that
our waxes are marketed to over 50 countries in Asia, Europe, Americas
and Australia in a wide range of industrial applications.
Products include
hot-melt adhesives, fibreboards, PVC lubricants, plastic processing,
candles and coatings,” he said during the solid wax plant inauguration
ceremony at Tanjung Kidurong yesterday.
The unique white colour of Shell MDS waxes
is also ideal for applications requiring colour additives example
crayons, candles, graphic arts and other decorative items. The opaque
appearance produces true colour brilliance with minimum colouring
agents.
He said the project was
an integral part towards achieving its vision to be the world leaders in
GTL specialties while helping add value to Malaysia’s natural gas
resources.
Shell has been doing
business in Malaysia for 120 years and it remains a vital country
central to Shell’s long term global strategy.
“Today we have the 6,500
staff in our employment, the majority of whom are Malaysians, each
contributing to developing Malaysia’s hydrocarbon resources. Our
operations in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak, including here at
Shell MDS in Bintulu, underpin Shell’s commitment to Malaysia.
“We invest an average of
US$1 billion, approximately RM3 billion annually. We want to continue
to bring technology, expertise and capital to Malaysia as we have done
throughout our tenure here,” Lo said.
Bintulu holds a special
place for Shell. Its Bintulu Integrated Facility at Tanjung Kidurong was
among the pioneer facilities to be set up as it began developing the
gas field’s offshore Sarawak 30 years ago.
“Today Bintulu hosts one
of Shell’s most sophisticated facilities. We hope that we may be
recognised as having played a role in its transformation into a vibrant
energy town through the creation of local jobs, and investing in
programmes and initiatives to raise its socio-economic status,” he said.
