Mider Helm delays full start-up at methanol line

11 July 2008 13:45  [Source: ICIS news]

LONDON (ICIS news)--European methanol producer Mider Helm is running its 660,000 tonne/year plant at Leuna, Germany at reduced rates, and contrary to market talk, it will not return to full capacity this weekend, a company source said on Friday.

“We experienced problems after the shutdown [on 3 May] and are running at reduced rates,” he added.

No further details as to the estimated time of the full restart or reasons for the delay were made public, nor was the current production rate.

“We are producing and also delivering [to] our customers,” he added.

This was compounding an already snug supply situation caused by logistical difficulties, importers and other resellers said.

“We have the feeling there is in the moment a very tight market,” the source at Mider Helm said.

Spot bids were assessed at around €270-285/tonne ($429-452/tonne) FOB (free on board) Rotterdam, according to global chemical market intelligence service ICIS pricing.

The unit went down for planned maintenance on 3 May and was originally scheduled to restart on 19 June but entered the start-up phase in late June. 

European methanol producers also include BPRP, BioMCN and SDO.

($1 = €0.63)

For more on methanol  visit ICIS chemical intelligence 
To discuss issues facing the chemical industry go to ICIS connect

By: Caroline Howard
+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