Its delivery is part of a planned £23million refurbishment project for the unit, which is the largest of its kind in Europe. The unit is being prepared for a major refurbishment later this year, of which the replacement of the giant head is a key element. It will give the refinery unit another 25 years of life.

Volker Schultz, chief executive officer, said: “The project represents a significant multi-million pound investment and is further proof of our determination to ensure Essar Oil UK is sustainably profitable and growing moving forward.

“The Stanlow refinery – the UK’s second largest refinery producing 15% of the UK’s transport fuels – is a major economic driver in the north west and this is a clear demonstration of our confidence in its future growth.”

www.essar.com