By Malini Hariharan Dow Chemical appears to be ready to take a final decision on its huge cracker and derivatives joint venture with Saudi Aramco in Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia. Media reports in the last two days indicate that the $18-20bn project, first announced in 2007, has moved forward with a final decision likely to […]
Asian Chemical Connections
ChemaWEyaat shifting to a new site?
By Malini Hariharan One more Middle East project appears to be on the move. Abu Dhabi’s ChemaWEyaat is reportedly shifting its 1.5m tonnes/year cracker and derivatives project from the Khalifa Port and Industrial Zone in Taweelah, to Ruwais in the western part of Abu Dhabi. ChemaWEyaat, the Abu Dhabi Investment Council (ADIC) and International Petroleum […]
Aramco-Dow project to be scaled down?
By Malini Hariharan If you are moving a project to a new location then why not take some time to re-examine its configuration? That appears to be the thinking at Saudi Aramco and Dow Chemical for their proposed cracker and derivatives complex in Saudi Arabia. As reported on this blog recently, the mega petrochemical project […]
Liveris on the chemical cycle, Dow’s asset-light strategy and Ras Tanura
By Malini Hariharan I have been reading a transcript of Dow Chemical’s Q4 2009 earnings call and here are some interesting comments made by Andrew Liveris, the company’s ceo. Despite recording revenue and volume growth in 2009 Liveris was cautious on the outlook for 2010 citing an uncertain economic environment. But constraints in Middle East […]
Even Middle East funding is under threat
Dow Chemical, Ras Tanura, the deadly duo, Hank Paulson, Ben Bernanke, financial meltdown, financial rescue package, Saudi Aramco