Bitumen is a semi-solid hydrocarbon product produced during the refining process. It is left behind once the lighter fractions have been removed.

It is primarily used by the construction industry, most notably for roofing and road surfaces, which accounts for approximately 85% of all bitumen use.

We are involved in bitumen both as a manufacturer and supplier. Three of the refineries in which we are invested, in Antwerp, Belgium, Bayernoil, Germany and Geelong, Australia, manufacture bitumen.

As well as our own production, we work with refiners around the world to source the required grade of bitumen for our customers. These include Viva Australia, formed following the acquisition of Shell’s Australian downstream business in 2014.

We are actively trading in Europe and we have various European and North African customers.