MOSCOW (MRC) -- SABIC is modifying its Wilton cracker in the UK to enable it to use ethane feedstock imported from the US, reported Hydrocarbonprocessing with reference to the company's announcement.
The company is aiming to complete the project by 2016.
SABIC had said in 2013 that it was studying the possibility of converting the naphtha cracker. The nameplate capacity is 865,000 tpy of ethylene, 400,000 tpy of propylene and 100,000 tpy of butadiene.
SABIC did not specify the level of investment or whether it has supply deals lined up with US companies. The decision to import US ethane for a European cracker follows similar moves by INEOS in Norway and the UK and Borealis in Sweden.
"This project reflects SABIC’s strong determination to take advantage of cutting-edge technology in creating new sources of competitive feedstock and energy that will allow the company to continue to build a sustainable business and deliver on its long-term vision," said Yousef Al-Benyan, executive vice president for chemicals at SABIC.
"Our long-term focus is to have a business that stays profitable not only in the European region, but across our global markets," he added.
Work is already underway to build a cryogenic tank at SABIC's North Tees site in the UK as part of a gas import terminal.
As MRC informed previously, in February 2014, SABIC UK, an affiliate of Saudi Arabia's petrochemical major, unveiled its plans to cut costs and improve competitiveness in Europe. SABIC UK Petrochemicals, which has operations on Teesside including the olefins cracker and LDPE (low density polyethylene) plant at Wilton, said it wants to build a large storage tank at its North Tees site for new feedstocks.
Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) ranks among the world’s top petrochemical companies. The company is among the world’s market leaders in the production of polyethylene, polypropylene and other advanced thermoplastics, glycols, methanol and fertilizers.
MRC