About Shell MDS
Proudly based in Bintulu, Sarawak, Shell MDS (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd uses Shell’s proprietary Shell Middle Distillate Synthesis process, built on 3500 patents, to convert natural gas into hydrocarbon liquids.
A range of high-quality finished products are created from these hydrocarbon liquids, including GTL waxes, drilling fluids and chemicals. The end products produced by Shell MDS contain almost none of the impurities – sulphur, aromatics and nitrogen – that are found in crude oil, which means that they are cleaner and safer for us and for the environment.
Shell MDS began its commercial operations in 1993. Today, it is home to approximately 400 staff, 89% of which come from Sarawak state, showcasing the distinct talent and capabilities of Sarawak-ians.
In 2018, Shell MDS commemorated its 25 years of service, and its journey to bring Bintulu to the world continues.
Location: Bintulu, Sarawak
Category: Gas-to-Liquids plant
Ownership: Shell (72%), Mitsubishi (14%), Sarawak state (7%), PETRONAS (7%)
Operator: Shell
Capacity: 500,000 tonnes of liquid and solid hydrocarbon products per year
No. of Employees: Approximately 400 (of which 98% are Malaysian, 89% from Sarawak state)
The fischer-tropsch gas-to-liquid (GTL) technology
Shell – Gas to liquids (GTL) | Shell Natural Gas
Shell pioneered the Fischer-Tropsch gas-to-liquids (GTL) technology in the world’s first full scale GTL plant of its kind in Bintulu, Malaysia, achieving commercial GTL production in 1993.
It is the culmination of 25 years of research into the utilisation of natural gas for the production of synthetic waxes, fuels and specialty chemicals, according to the GTL process diagram below.
