EMEA News
Total and Ecoslops Partner on Development of Second Slops Refinery Near Marseille
France-based Ecoslops, that recycles ship slops into IFO and MDO bunkers, Monday announced that it has signed of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Total S.A. (Total), which will see the two companies partner to develop a new processing unit in La Mède, near Marseille.
"The success of our first unit in Portugal established Ecoslops as a technology leader. Many other conversations are in progress in order to equip large ports. The large scale and significant traffic of the Port of Marseille convinced us that it was the right location for the settlement of our second unit," said Vincent Favier, CEO of Ecoslops.
"The viability of our project, as well as the findings of our shared research with Total, backed the common interest in setting up our micro-refinery in the La Mède location."
Under the MoU, Ecoslops and Total intend to conduct an in-depth study related to the final investment decision in 2017.
Ecoslops says the unit's development, which is noted to be part of the La Mède transformation project, is aimed at addressing what it sees as the maritime industry's growing need for more sustainable waste management.
"In 2015, Total decided to invest in the La Mède site to transform it and create the first French bio-refinery. The construction of this oil residue regeneration unit strengthens the site’s industrial redeployment," said Francois Bourrasse, director of Total’s La Mède site.
"It is very good news, which reaffirms the appeal for this industrial site. We look forward to our partnership with Ecoslops in this circular economy project."
In July, Ecoslops announced that it had signed its first medium term financing deal worth €1 million ($1.11 million) with a Portuguese bank, extending over a four-year period.
