BP Europa SE plans sale of Ruhr Oel GmbH – BP Gelsenkirchen in strategic portfolio shift

BP Europa SE has announced its intention to sell Ruhr Oel GmbH – BP Gelsenkirchen, including its associated refinery assets, as part of the company’s strategy to streamline its global operations. The move is aimed at creating a simpler, more focused, and higher-value business model. The marketing process to identify potential buyers will begin immediately, with sales agreements targeted for 2025. Completion of the sale will depend on regulatory and governmental approvals, which are expected to influence the final timeline.

This decision marks a significant step in BP Europa SE’s ongoing transformation strategy, as the company seeks to optimise its asset portfolio and position itself for long-term growth within the global energy landscape. The divestment includes the BP refinery in Gelsenkirchen and DHC Solvent Chemie GmbH in Mülheim an der Ruhr, both critical assets within Germany’s energy and petrochemical sectors.

Why is BP Europa SE selling Ruhr Oel GmbH – BP Gelsenkirchen?

The sale of Ruhr Oel GmbH – BP Gelsenkirchen is part of BP Europa SE’s broader strategy to reshape its global portfolio. Emma Delaney, Executive Vice President of Customers & Products at BP Europa SE, stated that the company continually assesses its assets to ensure alignment with its strategic goals. After a comprehensive review, BP Europa SE concluded that a new owner would be better positioned to unlock the refinery’s full potential.

BP Europa SE aims to transition towards a more focused and higher-value business model. The company believes that Ruhr Oel GmbH – BP Gelsenkirchen, with its advanced infrastructure and strategic location, offers substantial growth opportunities that can be better realised under new ownership. Delaney highlighted that BP’s priority is to ensure that the site continues to thrive while the company focuses on expanding its core operations globally.

This move is consistent with BP’s global strategy, which has seen the company divest several non-core assets in recent years to focus on renewable energy, sustainable fuels, and digital transformation initiatives within the energy sector.

What makes Ruhr Oel GmbH – BP Gelsenkirchen an attractive acquisition?

Ruhr Oel GmbH – BP Gelsenkirchen is one of Germany’s most significant refining and petrochemical sites. Its strategic location in North Rhine-Westphalia—a key chemical industry cluster in Europe—provides easy access to major markets and logistical hubs. The refinery has a processing capacity of approximately 12 million tonnes of crude oil annually, producing petrol, diesel, jet fuel, heating oil, and over 50 additional products for the chemical industry.

The site operates as an integrated complex with facilities spread across multiple locations, including Scholven, Horst, and administrative offices in Hassel. The Scholven plant is the largest, covering 250 hectares and employing over 800 people. It plays a crucial role in producing petrochemical products such as ethylene and propylene, as well as fuels like jet fuel and diesel.

Meanwhile, the Horst plant, spanning 160 hectares, employs around 600 people and houses key refining units, including coker and fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) plants. These units are essential for producing intermediate products required in chemical manufacturing. The site also features crude oil and vacuum distillation plants that process crude oil into various end products.

Additionally, BP Europa SE operates the Bottrop tank farm along the Rhine-Herne Canal, which facilitates the storage and transshipment of intermediate and final products. This infrastructure strengthens the site’s logistical capabilities, making it an appealing prospect for potential buyers seeking to expand their footprint in Europe’s energy and petrochemical markets.

How has BP Europa SE modernised the Gelsenkirchen refinery?

Over the past several years, BP Europa SE has invested heavily in modernising the Gelsenkirchen refinery to enhance its operational efficiency and environmental performance. These efforts include upgrading the power grid, establishing an independent steam supply, and implementing advanced technologies to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency.

The refinery’s transformation, which began in 2024, focuses on reducing operational complexity while optimising processing capacity. Today, the site is capable of processing crude oils from around the world and has the flexibility to produce biofuels and process recycled plastics, reflecting BP’s commitment to sustainability.

Patrick Wendeler, Chief Executive of BP Europa SE, emphasised the strategic value of these investments, noting that the site’s modern infrastructure and highly skilled workforce provide a solid foundation for future growth. He added that the refinery’s location within the heart of Europe’s chemical cluster offers significant logistical advantages, making it an attractive asset for potential investors.

What impact will the sale have on operations and employees?

BP Europa SE has assured that operations at Ruhr Oel GmbH – BP Gelsenkirchen will continue as usual during the sale process. The company remains committed to maintaining operational stability and ensuring the safety of its workforce, which includes around 2,000 employees and 160 apprentices across its various sites.

While the sale represents a major transition, BP Europa SE has indicated that it will work closely with the new owner to facilitate a smooth handover. The goal is to preserve the refinery’s operational integrity and protect jobs, minimising any disruption to employees and local communities.

BP’s leadership has also highlighted that the workforce’s expertise and the refinery’s advanced infrastructure will be key selling points in attracting potential buyers. This suggests that the new owner is likely to maintain the current operational structure, leveraging the site’s existing strengths to drive future growth.

What does this mean for the future of BP Europa SE?

The planned sale of Ruhr Oel GmbH – BP Gelsenkirchen reflects BP Europa SE’s strategic focus on reshaping its portfolio to support long-term growth. The company is actively positioning itself to capitalise on emerging opportunities in renewable energy, sustainable fuels, and digital transformation, aligning with global trends towards decarbonisation and energy transition.

While the divestment marks the end of an era for BP’s operations in Gelsenkirchen, it also signals a new chapter in the company’s evolution. By focusing on high-value, future-oriented assets, BP Europa SE aims to enhance its competitiveness in the global energy market while supporting the broader goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

For potential buyers, Ruhr Oel GmbH – BP Gelsenkirchen represents a unique opportunity to acquire a state-of-the-art refining and petrochemical complex with significant growth potential. The site’s modern infrastructure, strategic location, and skilled workforce make it a valuable asset for companies looking to expand their presence in Europe’s energy sector.