NewsFlashPCS shuts No 2 Singapore cracker

20 September 2006 09:12  [Source: ICIS news]

SINGAPORE (ICIS news)--Petrochemical Corp of Singapore (PCS) has shut its No 2 cracker unexpectedly due to a technical glitch, but it is not expected to have a significant impact on the markets, a source close to the company said on Wednesday.

 

However, the problem was said to be minor and the shutdown is expected to be short, the source added.

 

The company spokesman could not be reached for comment. It was unclear when the unit was shut and when it will restart.

 

The cracker at Jurong Island can produce 615,000 tonnes/year ethylene and 320,000 tonnes/year propylene. It was restarted on 27 August after a month-long turnaround.

 

PCS is a 50:50 joint venture company between oil major Shell and Japan-Singapore Petrochemicals, in which Sumitomo Chemicals is a major shareholder.

 

PCS’s No 1 cracker has an ethylene capacity of 465,000 tonnes/year and propylene capacity of 270,000 tonnes/year.

 

The shutdown could affect Shell's 70,000 tonnes/year iso-propanol (IPA) plant at Pulau Bukom, traders said.

 

The unit was running at around 90% last week. Company officials could not be reached for comment.

 

Peh Soo Hwee contributed to this article.

By: Steve Tan
+65 6780 4359

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