The Abu Dhabi Polymers Company (Borouge) plans to invest $40 million into expanding its petrochemical complex at Ruwais, Abu Dhabi, stated a press release.
The company will finance a project to debottleneck the complex’s existing Borstar enhanced polyethylene (PE) capacity from 450,000 to 580,000 tons per annum. The project, which includes expansion of material handling facilities, is to be completed by the second quarter of 2005. In addition, Borouge will assume full off take of the existing 600,000 tons per annum ethylene cracker.
Earlier this year, Borouge signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and are proceeding with a feasibility study for a new world scale cracker and downstream polyolefin plants.
The feasibility study to expand the Ruwais petrochemical complex is linked to market growth and increased gas production in the region from two ADNOC natural gas developments in Abu Dhabi. Significant amounts of ethane equivalent to approximately 1.4 million tons ethylene will become available for petrochemical use.
The ongoing study is investigating technical and commercial aspects and considering the various options. Conclusions are likely to be reached during 2004 with expected start-up of the new plants in 2008.
Borouge is the result of a joint venture between the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Borealis of Denmark. Borouge consists of two entities: a UAE-based production company and a Singapore-based marketing company. Borouge has full-fledged sales offices in Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Mumbai and Lebanon. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
