The invention pertains to a process for reducing the sulphur content of a hydrocarbon feedstock to a value of less than 200 ppm, preferably less than 50 ppm, which comprises subjecting a catalyst comprising a Group VIB metal component, a Group VIII metal component, and an organic additive on a carrier to a sulphidation step, and contacting a feedstock with a 95% boiling point of 450°C or less and a sulphur content of 500 ppm or less with the sulphided catalyst under conditions of elevated temperature and pressure to form a product with a sulphur content of less than 200 ppm.
The organic additive preferably is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds comprising at least two hydroxyl groups and 2-10 carbon atoms, and the (poly)ethers of these compounds.