CPChem declares PS ‘force majeure’ after barge mishap

12 January 2005 22:04  [Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (CNI)--Chevron Phillips Chemical (CPChem) said Wednesday it has declared force majeure on sales of polystyrene (PS) produced in the US following the shutdown of its 363 000 tonne/year Marietta, Ohio PS plant.

 

The Woodlands, Texas-based CPChem said the shutdown was due to a third party accident on the Ohio River and action by the US Army Corps of Engineers to make the river navigable again.

 

Said the company in a statement: “It is too early to speculate on the duration of the force majeure. Chevron Phillips Chemical continues to stay in close communication with the US Army Corps of Engineers.”

 

CPChem said nine coal barges broke loose on the Ohio River on 6 January with four barges blocking the normal operation of the locks and dam, resulting in the draining of a stretch of the river.

 

It added: “The low water level prevents Chevron Phillips Chemical from having adequate supplies of water to produce steam as well as for cooling, processing and fire fighting.”

 

CPChem is one of the world’s top producers of olefins and polyolefins and a leading supplier of aromatics, alpha olefins, styrenics and specialty chemicals. 

By: Mike Sheridan
+1 713 525 2653

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