NPRA ’03: EU seen to grant network status to EPDC

01 April 2003 01:00  [Source: ICIS news]

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (CNI)--The European Union (EU) is likely to rule before year end on trans-European network status for the proposed European Pipeline Development Co (EPDC) project, Antwerp officials said here Monday.

 

Filip Masquillier, advisor to the Antwerp Port Authority (APA), told CNI here today that EPDC officials are hopeful of gaining network status from the European Union (EU), noting that achieving that status would enable EU funding for the multi-million dollar project.

 

Without that EU funding, Masquillier said, it is unlikely that the project could go forward.

 

First proposed in 2000, EPDC envisions a pipeline that would run from Rotterdam, the Netherlands, through Antwerp in Belgium and into Germany’s Ruhr area.  The pipeline would connect parts of various nation-based pipeline systems and enable the movement of raw materials and petrochemical products throughout northwestern Europe.

 

Completion of the EPDC project, said Masquillier, would allow the integration of chemical production clusters built along national lines over the past century and permit the “delocation” of derivative chemical production plants from crackers.

 

The project also furthers EU unification and transportation goals, he noted, by moving more product transportation off roadways to pipelines and canals.

 

EPDC is a consortium of major chemicals producers, including BASF, Bayer, DSM and Celanese.

 

Masquillier spoke with CNI here on the sidelines of the 28th annual International Petrochemicals Conference (IPC).  Sponsored by the National Petrochemical & Refiners Association (NPRA), the IPC concludes on Tuesday.

By: Joe Kamalick
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