Communicator

Yantai, China | April 25, 2025

Kuwait’s Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC), a subsidiary of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), has acquired a 25% stake in Wanhua Chemical (Yantai) Petrochemical Co., Ltd., marking the largest Kuwaiti investment in China’s petrochemical sector to date. The deal, valued at $638 million, gives PIC a significant interest in a cluster of advanced petrochemical units in Yantai, including facilities producing propylene oxide, tert-butyl alcohol, acrylic acid, and butyl acrylate.

This strategic move is designed to diversify PIC’s product portfolio and expand its footprint in the fast-growing Chinese market, while giving Wanhua improved access to Gulf feedstocks and a strong international partner. The partnership also underscores a broader industry trend: Gulf energy companies are shifting from traditional oil exports to integrated, value-added investments in Asia’s downstream sector.

The agreement was signed in Yantai by PIC CEO Nadia Al-Hajji and Wanhua Chemical President Qu Guangwu, in the presence of senior executives from both companies and Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC). Citi acted as financial advisor and Ashurst as legal counsel for PIC.

The PIC-Wanhua alliance is expected to accelerate innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth for both partners, positioning them to capitalize on Asia’s expanding demand for high-value petrochemicals.

#pic  #wanhua  #kuwait  #china  #yantai  #propyleneoxide  #acrylates  #oxochemicals 

Rotterdam, Netherlands, 11 Feb 2025 - Chemical manufacturing giant LyondellBasell has announced plans to shut down its propylene oxide (PO) and styrene monomer (SM) production facility at Maasvlakte in the Rotterdam port area. The closure marks a significant shift in the company's European operations and will impact the regional petrochemical landscape.

According to company officials, the decision comes after a comprehensive strategic review of LyondellBasell's global asset portfolio, with the Maasvlakte plant deemed no longer economically viable in the current market environment. The facility, which has been operational since the early 2000s, has faced increasing pressure from newer, more efficient production sites in Asia and the Middle East.

Industry analysts point to several factors contributing to the closure, including high European energy costs, increasing global competition, and shifting market demands. The company will reportedly maintain its other Dutch operations, including facilities in Rotterdam's Botlek area.

Propylene oxide and styrene monomer are key ingredients used in the production of polyurethanes, plastics, and synthetic rubbers found in numerous consumer and industrial products. Market observers suggest that LyondellBasell will likely meet European demand for these products through its remaining facilities and strategic supply agreements.

The plant is expected to complete a phased shutdown by the end of the year, following appropriate decommissioning procedures and environmental protocols.

#posm  #smpo  #lyondelbasell  #propyleneoxide  #styrene  #dutchplant  #thenetherlands  #plantclosure 

The POSM process from Lyondellbasell for the co-production of propylene oxide and styrene from ethylbenzene and propylene has been added.


#posm  #smpo  #ethylenzene  #styrene  #propylene  #propyleneoxide  #smpo  #posm  #lyondellbasell 

A description of the organic hydroperoxide method to produce propylene oxide has been added.


#posm  #smpo  #tba  #propyleneoxide  #po  #peroxide  #styrenehydroperoxide  #coproduct 

The mass balance has been developed for the main processes, some downstream processes not yet covered. 


#polyethylene  #lldpe  #hdpe  #ldpe   #propyleneoxide  #raffinate  #butadiene  #ethylene  #steamcracking 

Shandong Binhua New Materials site created and project description added.
 

#shandong #china  #binhuanewmaterials  #befargroup  #MTBE  #propyleneoxide 

HPPO plant, propylene oxide production and imports of naphtha and hydrogen peroxide have been added.


#basf  #antwerp  #belgium  #propyleneoxide  #hydrogenperoxide  #propylene  #ethylene  #hppo  #steamcracker  #naphtha 

Description of the HPPO process has been update.


#hppo  #propyleneoxide  #propylene  #hydrogenperoxide  #dow  #basf