Monolithic structures made of cordierite, γ-Al 2 O 3 and steel have been prepared as catalysts and tested for Fischer–Tropsch activity. The monoliths made of cordierite and steel were washcoated with a 20wt.% Co–1wt.% Re/γ-Al 2 O 3 Fischer–Tropsch catalyst whereas the γ-Al 2 O 3 monoliths were made by direct impregnation with an aqueous solution of the Co and Re salts resulting in a loading of 12wt.% Co and 0.5wt.% Re. The activity and selectivity of the different monoliths were compared with the corresponding powder catalysts. Higher washcoat loadings resulted in decreased C 5+ selectivity and olefin/paraffin ratios due to increased transport limitations. The impregnated γ-Al 2 O 3 monoliths also showed similar C 5+ selectivities as powder catalysts of small particle size (38–53μm). Lower activities were observed with the steel monoliths probably due to experimental problems.