Shell starts construction on petrochemical complex

This follows the successful completion of the site preparation and detailed design and engineering work. The final investment decision (FID) was taken in June 2016, with commercial production expected to begin early next decade.

The early works programme included building bridges, relocating a state highway, improving existing interchanges, repositioning a rail line, and preparing foundations for the new complex. The site is now ready for the main construction to start.

Graham van’t Hoff, Executive Vice President for Shell’s global chemicals business, said: “Today marks an important step forward for this major growth project […] The preparation phase went well and our focus is now on ensuring first-class construction. Shell’s commercial, engineering and manufacturing expertise will help make this project a great success.”

Shell will now progress to the construction of four processing units – an ethane cracker and three polyethylene units. The ethane cracker will be the largest part of the facility with more than 200 major components and 95 miles of pipe.

Shell will also construct a 900 ft long cooling tower, rail and truck loading facilities, a water treatment plant, an office building and a laboratory.

The site will include a 250 MW natural gas-fired power plant, which will produce electricity and steam for the facility.

The petrochemicals complex will use ethane from shale gas producers in the Marcellus and Utica basins to produce 1.6 million tpy of polyethylene.

Approximately 6000 construction workers will be involved in building the facility. Shell expects to create around 600 permanent employee positions when the complex is completed.

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/petrochemicals/09112017/shell-starts-construction-on-petrochemical-complex/