Borouge to launch feasibility study on expansion into base chemicals

Borouge today announced the launch of a study to examine the feasibilityof a major new expansion of its petrochemical complex in Ruwais, Abu Dhabi to produce and market base chemicals for the first time.

Based on benzene and propane feedstock supplied by Borouge’s joint venture co-owner ADNOC, the new project will include world scale propane dehydrogenation and cumene-phenol plants, as well as several other downstream units.

The study is expected to be completed towards the end of 2007, and with start up around 2012. This potential expansion would complement the planned Borouge 2 polymer project which is currently in the FEED phase.

Once fully operational, the expanded Ruwais petrochemical complex would be one of the largest plastics and chemicals production complexes in the world, strategically situated to access most major world markets.

The proposed complex would produce an extensive and diversified range of chemicals, and introduce new value chains and specialty products to the United Arab Emirates. The availability of these chemicals in UAE would further facilitate the development of downstream conversion industries and the continued industrialisation of the country’s economy.

Harri Bucht, Chief Executive Officer, Abu Dhabi Polymers Company (Borouge), commented: "Expansion into base chemicals is a natural move for Borouge to make as we continue to grow. It capitalizes on our existing production assets and our feedstock position as well as the strengths of our owners Adnoc and Borealis."

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