Total declares force majeure on US PS production in Louisiana

HOUSTON (ICIS)–Total Petrochemicals has declared force majeure on the supply of all polystyrene (PS) products after an unplanned interruption at its 660,000 tonne/year plant at Carville, Louisiana, which was caused by a recent winter storm, it said in a letter to customers on 23 January.

Total said that the plant would require a period of downtime in order to perform repairs. Total and SABIC are joint venture partners at the Cosmar facility in Carville.

PS production rates have been lowered, and the plant will likely continue at a restricted level into the month of February, the letter said.

The unplanned interruption occurred around 15-17 January during the winter storm.

Total said that it is working to assess the overall situation and how this might impact supply of PS products.

North American PS producers include AmSty, Group Idesa, INEOS Styrolution, Resirene and Total Petrochemicals USA.