BP Europa SE seeks buyer for BP Gelsenkirchen Refinery
BP Europa SE has announced its intention to seek potential buyers for its Ruhr Oel GmbH – BP Gelsenkirchen operations in Germany. The assets include BP’s refinery in Gelsenkirchen and DHC Solvent Chemie GmbH in Mülheim an der Ruhr.
The company will begin marketing the refinery immediately, with sales agreements expected in 2025. The completion of any sale will be subject to regulatory and governmental approvals. BP confirmed that refinery operations would continue as usual throughout the process.
Emma Delaney, bp’s executive vice president for Customers & Products, stated: “bp needs to continually manage its global portfolio as we position to grow as a simpler, more focused, higher-value company. After a thorough review, we have concluded that a new owner would be better suited for the site to take it forward. We are convinced that the refinery can unlock its full potential under new ownership.”
In recent years, BP has modernised the Gelsenkirchen refinery by renewing its power grid and establishing an independent steam supply. The site is equipped to process crude oils from around the world and produce high-quality fuels, with the potential to manufacture biofuels and process recycled plastics.
Patrick Wendeler, chief executive of BP Europa SE, highlighted the site’s strengths: “With significant investments, we have been able to substantially modernize our site in recent years. Due to its current production capabilities and its location – in the heart of Europe and particularly within the chemical cluster of North Rhine Westphalia – it offers significant potential to a new owner supported by a highly qualified team.”
Key role in Germany’s energy and chemical industry
Ruhr Oel GmbH – BP Gelsenkirchen operates two integrated refining and petrochemical plants in Horst and Scholven, as well as the Bottrop tank farm. The refinery processes approximately 12 million tonnes of crude oil annually, producing petrol, diesel, jet fuel, heating oil, and more than 50 other products for the chemical industry.
The company also owns DHC Solvent Chemie GmbH and holds shares in the Maatschap Europort Terminal (MET) in the Netherlands. It has additional stakes in pipeline infrastructure, including N.V. Rotterdam-Rijn-Pijplining (RRP) and Nord-West Oelleitung GmbH (NWO).
BP’s decision to divest from Ruhr Oel GmbH aligns with its broader strategy to streamline operations and focus on high-value assets.
