Shell working on Seraya expansion plan

12 November 1998 05:40  [Source: ICIS news]

SINGAPORE (CNI)--Shell Chemicals continues to plan an additional styrene monomer/propylene oxide (SM/PO) plant, with a downstream polyols unit, at Seraya Chemicals, its joint venture here with Mitsubishi Chemicals, CNI was told Thursday.

Shell Chemicals' executive vice president for Asia Pacific and Middle East, George Lefroy, confirmed that plans are being developed but declined to elaborate.

He added, however, that the polyols project being considered would include ethylene glycol and monoethylene glycol.

Despite the downturn in styrene markets, Lefroy said he is confident of future SM/PO demand. "In the near- to mid-term, demand in Asia would be weak," he stated, "but for the long-term, it looks encouraging."

Seraya Chemicals operates an SM/PO facility - which produces 315 000 tonne/year of SM and 140 000 tonne/year of PO - on Singapore's petrochemical hub, Jurong Island.

Lefroy was interviewed at the two-day, 28th Asean (Association of South East Asian Nations) Chemical Industries Club (Acic) conference.

By: Wing Gar Cheng
+65 6780 4359

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