Advario and Braskem Idesa have inaugurated Terminal Química Puerto México (TQPM), a strategic ethane storage terminal located in the Port of Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz.
Developed as a 50 - 50 partnership between the two companies, the terminal marks a major milestone in Mexico’s energy and petrochemical infrastructure. It represents a joint investment of US$500 million and the creation of over 2000 jobs during construction.
TQPM will play a critical role in securing the long-term ethane supply for the Braskem Idesa Petrochemical Complex, enabling the facility to reach its full production capacity and supporting future growth plans of up to 25%.
The terminal comprises two 50 000 m3 cryogenic tanks, a dedicated jetty and pipeline infrastructure for the reception, storage and transportation of cryogenic ethane. Its 54 000 t storage capacity ensures a stable feedstock supply, helping Braskem Idesa produce up to 1 050 000 tpy of polyethylene, including 750 000 t of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and 300 000 t of low-density polyethylene (LDPE).
Bas Verkooijen, CEO of Advario, said: “The inauguration of TQPM is a proud moment for Advario and an important milestone in our global growth journey. This project reflects our strong partnership with Braskem Idesa, and our leading role in the storage and logistics of chemicals in the world. The expansion into Mexico strengthens our global presence into a new, highly dynamic and growing petrochemical region.”
Isabel Figueiredo, CEO of Braskem Idesa, mentioned, “Braskem Idesa reaffirms its commitment to the national petrochemical industry with this project, which will allow us to diversify the supply of raw materials and plan a future expansion of our operations in Mexico. The vast experience of our partner, Advario, was fundamental to the success of this project. We strongly believe in the great contribution that TQPM will make to the development of the Mexican industry, aligned with the strategic vision of the Government of Mexico for self-sufficiency.”
Cleantho Leite, CEO of Terminal Química Puerto México, concluded by mentioning: “The construction of TQPM generated over 2000 jobs, contributing to the social, economic, and industrial development of the state of Veracruz as one of the main petrochemical hubs in the country. It is the first private industrial investment in the CIIT-Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec’s area of influence. Its implementation included the development of various community social programmes, including improvements in schools and health centers in the region, as well as a robust environmental protection programme that carried out the rescue and conservation of native flora and fauna.”
The Secretary of Economic Development of the Government of the State of Veracruz, Mexico, Mr. Ernesto Pérez Astorga, stated that “The inauguration of TQPM marks the transformation of the southeast of our country. It is a day that reminds us that when there is vision, commitment, and collaborative work between the public and private sectors, great projects can be achieved that transcend generations and mark lives.”
TQPM is located within the Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec (CIIT), a strategic initiative led by the Government of Mexico to accelerate development in the country’s southeastern region.
To support the terminal’s operations, Braskem Group acquired two cryogenic ethane carriers, the Brilliant Future and Brave Future. Each vessel is 188 m long, with a capacity of 36 000 m3, and reduces CO2 emissions by 40% compared to the industry average over the past decade. These ships will transport ethane from Texas, USA, to the Port of Coatzacoalcos.