Shell German, Dutch C2/C3 cracker output rising

02 February 2007 11:08  [Source: ICIS news]

LONDON (ICIS news)--Shell's ethylene (C2) and propylene (C3) output at its crackers in Germany and the Netherlands has improved this week, but the force majeures have yet to be lifted, a company source said on Friday.

 

Recent production issues at its 2B cracker in Wesseling, Germany, and its Dutch cracker at Moerdijk had impacted on operating rates and resulted in allocation of supply to customers.

 

The source said that the 260,000 tonne/year 2B Wesseling cracker was ramping up to full throughput this week, having been shut down unexpectedly on 8 January due to turbine vibrations.

 

The forces majeures could be lifted next week, the source added.

 

Meanwhile, the company was said to be optimistic regarding operations at the 900,000 tonne/year Moerdijk cracker.

 

More details were expected next week but allocation to customers was better than originally expected, according to the source.

 

The cracker was running at reduced rates to complete some repairs deemed necessary following an unexpected trip on 7 December.

By: Nel Weddle
+44 20 8652 3214

For the latest chemical news, data and analysis that directly impacts your business sign up for a free trial to ICIS news - the breaking online news service for the global chemical industry.

Get the facts and analysis behind the headlines from our market leading weekly magazine: sign up to a free trial to ICIS Chemical Business.

Printer Friendly