A process (10) for synthesising hydrocarbons includes feeding a gaseous
feedstock (18) comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide, into a first
Fischer-Tropsch reaction stage (12) which is a three-phase low
temperature catalytic Fischer-Tropsch reaction stage, and allowing the
hydrogen and carbon monoxide partially to react catalytically in the
first reaction stage (12) to form hydrocarbons. At least a portion of a
tail gas (32) which includes unreacted hydrogen and carbon monoxide
obtained from the first reaction stage, is fed into a second
Fischer-Tropsch reaction stage (42) which is a two-phase high temperature
catalytic Fischer-Tropsch reaction stage. The hydrogen and carbon
monoxide are allowed at least partially to react catalytically in the
second reaction stage (42) to form gaseous hydrocarbons.