KUALA LUMPUR: Shell has unveiled the global product launch of the world's first commercial scale GTL (gas-to-liquids) synthetic microcrystalline wax.
The launch recently was part of Shell Middle Distillate Synthesis Malaysia's (Shell MDS Malaysia) 30th anniversary in Bintulu, Sarawak.
To commemorate the milestone, Shell hosted an appreciation event in Kuching recently, which was officiated by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg.
Shell said the GTL synthetic microcrystalline wax is another achievement to demonstrate Shell GTL's technology and Shell MDS' capability in pushing the boundary of innovation.
"Shell GTL microcrystalline wax has high purity with unique properties and is produced at a toller site in Germany using the Shell proprietary GTL Fischer-Tropsch process which makes it suitable for premium applications such as personal care, petroleum jelly, candle blend, coating, pharmaceuticals, food containers/packaging and many more," Siti Sulaiman, country chair of Shell Malaysia and senior vice president of Upstream Malaysia, said in a statement.
"The accomplishments we see today are largely due to the unwavering support from the Sarawak government. They have consistently recognised Shell MDS Malaysia's significant potential and the socio-economic benefits it brings, impacting not only Bintulu but the entire Sarawak region."
Siti added that the Shell MDS Malaysia plant has been a catalyst for Bintulu's development, creating more job opportunities for locals and paving the way for enhanced township facilities and infrastructure.
Commissioned in 1993, Shell MDS Malaysia stands as the world's first unique GTL plant.
After two decades of research, Shell revolutionised GTL technology, enabling the conversion of natural gas (NG) into ultra-pure liquid fuels, lubricants, chemicals, performance fluids and solid waxes.
The company employs over 450 staff, of which nearly 90 per cent are Sarawakians.
In 2011, selected members of the Shell MDS Malaysia team from Bintulu were chosen to contribute to one of the most complex and ambitious energy projects ever undertaken - Shell's Pearl GTL plant in Qatar.
Drawing from the expertise and blueprint of the Bintulu plant, these senior technical experts played a key role in the design, commissioning, and startup of the Qatar plant.
Today, the Pearl GTL plant is the world's largest producer of GTL products.