Saudi's SEPC Al Jubail LDPE unit nears 100% op rate after restart

03 June 2010 03:45  [Source: ICIS news]

SINGAPORE (ICIS news)--Saudi Ethylene and Polyethylene Co (SEPC) is close to achieving full capacity at its low density polyethylene (LDPE) plant  in Al Jubail, following the unit's restart last week, a source close to the company said late on Wednesday.

"The technical issue which had caused the plant to be shut down has been resolved," the source said. The plant, with a nameplate capacity of 400,000 tonnes/year, was taken off line in early May.

The restart of the plant had slightly eased the supply of LDPE in the region, a trader said.

"LDPE supply continues to be relatively tight, but the restart of the plant is good news for buyers," he said.

SEPC also operates a 400,000 tonne/year high density PE (HDPE) unit at the same site.

The company is a joint venture of National Industrialisation Co (Tasnee) with a 50.6% stake, Sahara Olefins Co, which holds a 24.4% stake and LyondellBasell, which holds the remaining 25%.

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By: Prema Viswanathan
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