Cracking it

Total is to build a distillate hydrocracker (DHC) with a capacity of 2.4 million metric tons a year as well as a steam methane reformer (SMR) at its Normandy refinery near Le Havre in France.

The hydrocracker will convert heavy fractions of petroleum into very low sulphur distillates, such as automotive diesel and kerosene for growing European markets. It will also produce high-quality bases for lubricants and specialty fluids.

Up to 1,000 people will be involved onsite during the construction phase, with start-up of the units scheduled for mid-2006.

Total said that the total investment in the two units was around 500 million Euros.