Shell MDS launches world’s first commercial gas-to-liquids synthetic microcrystalline wax

KUCHING (July 11): Shell Middle Distillate Synthesis Malaysia (Shell MDS Malaysia) in Bintulu celebrated its 30th anniversary with the global launch here of the world’s first commercial-scale gas-to-liquids (GTL) synthetic microcrystalline wax.

Shell Malaysia country chair and senior vice president upstream Malaysia Siti Sulaiman said launching the innovative product in Sarawak paid homage to the birthplace of GTL waxes.

She said the launch was also a testament to Shell’s enduring partnership with the Sarawak government.

“The accomplishments we see today are largely due to the unwavering support from the Sarawak government. They have consistently recognised Shell MDS’ significant potential and the socioeconomic benefits it brings, impacting not only Bintulu but the entire Sarawak region.

“The establishment of the Shell MDS plant has been the catalyst for Bintulu’s development, creating more job opportunities for locals and paving the way for enhanced township facilities and infrastructure,” she said at the Shell MDS Malaysia 30th Anniversary Celebration Dinner and the Global Launch of Shell Gas-To-Liquids (GTL) Microcrystalline Waxes here last night.

Siti said Shell GTL Microwax was the outcome of a six-year journey from ideation to production.

It began when the petroleum wax unit at Shell’s refinery in Pernis, Netherlands, ceased petroleum-based microwax production in 2014, creating a void in the industry for high-quality microwax.

“Realising this, the team in Shell MDS took the opportunity to speak to various customers and it was concluded that customers want to have new and improved wax molecules. They then connected with a prominent Shell microwax distributor in Europe, Alphawax, before getting into the concept board and developing a formula for synthetic microwaxes using Shell GTL technology and Shell Isomerised Catalyst.

“In 2019, with more support and the involvement of subject matter experts comprising members from within Shell, Alphawax, universities and others, the team was able to formulate a way to fast track the product to the market working alongside a major tolling partner in Europe, Hywax, proofed concept and piloted scale to full commercialisation using many new innovative business concepts and ideas,” Siti explained.

Leveraging local capabilities and talent alongside industry insights, Siti said Shell MDS Malaysia successfully produced the Shell GTL Microcrystalline Waxes – the first synthetic microwax produced on a commercial scale.

“This product boasts high purity and unique properties, making it an excellent raw material to be used in premium applications such as personal care, cosmetics, adhesives, candles, and many others,” she added.

The event, officiated at by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, also witnessed a document exchange between Shell MDS Malaysia and Sarawak Metro for the trial run of Shell GTL Saraphalt on the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system.

Shell MDS also announced a donation of medical equipment worth RM300,000 to the Burn Unit at Bintulu Hospital, aimed at enhancing services and care for burn patients in Bintulu and the neighbouring areas.

Among those present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar; Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; and Shell MDS Malaysia managing director Amir Bakar.