The tower stands: The successful completion of the steel framework for the Base Oil Distillation Unit (BODU) at the Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Rheinland at the end of March marked a significant milestone in the project's development. The completed steel framework, which is approximately 55 metres high, forms the structural backbone of the plant and also serves as a visible sign that the project is on schedule.
Kraftanlagen Energies & Services was responsible for planning, coordinating and executing all works on site. The supporting structure provides a foundation for installing the process plant, its equipment, associated platforms, access points, and supply systems. Completing the assembly work also allows for greater freedom of access for subsequent installation work. This will enable safe, efficient and precise assembly processes in the project's subsequent phases.
“The completion of the steel structure is a crucial step for the project's continued progress,” explains Christian Wanghofer, Head of the BODU project at Kraftanlagen Energies & Services. “Processing around 850 tonnes of steel at this height requires precise planning, close coordination between all the trades involved and adherence to the highest safety standards. For a plant of this scale in particular, the freedom of access now achieved creates the conditions necessary to carry out the complex pipework safely, precisely and on schedule.”
Amu Arenja, Senior Project Manager for the R3 base oil project at Shell, adds: “I am delighted that we have now reached this milestone in this highly complex project. I am particularly proud that there were no safety-critical incidents. This demonstrates the focus on quality and the dedicated, proper execution by the contracted companies, who have worked together consistently and constructively.”
In addition to the steelwork, construction of the analysis building has also been successfully completed. The analysis unit will enable continuous monitoring of quality-relevant product properties directly within the process. The real-time data obtained will form an important basis for stable and safe plant operation, as well as ensuring consistently high product quality. The next visible milestone in the project is the construction of the pipe bridge between the E-Heater and the BODU plant.
With the newly constructed Base Oil Distillation Unit, Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Rheinland is playing a key role in the site's transformation. From 2028 onwards, the plant is expected to produce high-quality, exceptionally pure base oils that meet the highest quality standards. These oils will be used for medical and cosmetic applications, as well as for more sustainable lubricants in the mobility sector. The plant is therefore a vital part of the process of becoming a production site for low-carbon products and sustainable energy solutions.
Kraftanlagen Energies & Services was responsible for planning, coordinating and executing all works on site. The supporting structure provides a foundation for installing the process plant, its equipment, associated platforms, access points, and supply systems. Completing the assembly work also allows for greater freedom of access for subsequent installation work. This will enable safe, efficient and precise assembly processes in the project's subsequent phases.
“The completion of the steel structure is a crucial step for the project's continued progress,” explains Christian Wanghofer, Head of the BODU project at Kraftanlagen Energies & Services. “Processing around 850 tonnes of steel at this height requires precise planning, close coordination between all the trades involved and adherence to the highest safety standards. For a plant of this scale in particular, the freedom of access now achieved creates the conditions necessary to carry out the complex pipework safely, precisely and on schedule.”
Amu Arenja, Senior Project Manager for the R3 base oil project at Shell, adds: “I am delighted that we have now reached this milestone in this highly complex project. I am particularly proud that there were no safety-critical incidents. This demonstrates the focus on quality and the dedicated, proper execution by the contracted companies, who have worked together consistently and constructively.”
In addition to the steelwork, construction of the analysis building has also been successfully completed. The analysis unit will enable continuous monitoring of quality-relevant product properties directly within the process. The real-time data obtained will form an important basis for stable and safe plant operation, as well as ensuring consistently high product quality. The next visible milestone in the project is the construction of the pipe bridge between the E-Heater and the BODU plant.
With the newly constructed Base Oil Distillation Unit, Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Rheinland is playing a key role in the site's transformation. From 2028 onwards, the plant is expected to produce high-quality, exceptionally pure base oils that meet the highest quality standards. These oils will be used for medical and cosmetic applications, as well as for more sustainable lubricants in the mobility sector. The plant is therefore a vital part of the process of becoming a production site for low-carbon products and sustainable energy solutions.
