CALGARY, Alta. — Shell Canada has successfully completed its $400 million construction of two diesel hydrotreaters to produce ultra low sulphur diesel fuel at its Montreal East and Scotford refineries, well ahead of the June 1 deadline.

The units allow Shell to reduce sulphur levels in on-road diesel to fewer than 15 parts per million (ppm), down more than 90 per cent from previous levels. Construction finished in December, followed by commissioning and start-up early this year, with fuel produced to specification early this month.

“Shell has demonstrated its ability to execute a major construction project such as this in a challenging labour market and do it safely, on time and within budget,” said David Weston, senior vice-president, oil products for Shell Canada. “This significant investment to reduce sulphur in fuel will contribute to improved air quality for all Canadians, building on Shell’s commitment to sustainable development.”

The diesel hydrotreater projects have provided significant economic benefits for local communities in Quebec and Alberta. Approximately 1,800 construction and contract engineering jobs were created during the project’s peak period.

Shell was the first nation-wide refiner capable of producing low sulphur gasoline when it started up its gasoline hydrotreaters in late 2002, following an investment of $150 million.