Processing news briefs, May 10

May 10, 2000
Petroleos de Venezuela SA ... Technip SA ... Japan Polyolefins Co. ... Showa Denko ... Nippon Petrochemicals


Venezuelan state oil firm Petroleos de Venezuela SA has let a turnkey contract to a unit of Technip SA, Paris, for refurbishment and upgrade of the 320,000 b/d refinery at Emmastad, Curacao. The refinery is operated by Refineria Isla Curazao SA, a PDVSA subsidiary. The $190 million contract was awarded to Jantech, a consortium of Technip Italy (99%) and Jantesa of Venezuela (1%). Work will include upgrade of the hydrogen unit, mild hydrocracker, sulfur recovery unit, and propane-propylene treater, plus installation of a new asphalt-fueled generator. The refinery's control system will be upgraded as well, as will offsites and utilities. Jantech is responsible for detailed engineering, procurement, construction, and precommissioning. The project is slated for completion by 2002.

Japan Polyolefins Co., a joint venture of Showa Denko KK and Nippon Petrochemicals Co., reportedly plans to invest 1 billion yen this year to upgrade its polyethylene plant in Oiwa, Japan. The investment should raise total Japan Polyolefins capacity to 352,000 tonnes/year. Showa Denko holds 65% of the company, and Nippon Petrochemicals 35%.