China approves Tianjin petrochemicals complex

July 20, 2009
Construction of the $3 bilion petrochemicals complex in Tianjin, China, owned by Sinopec and SABIC is slated for completion in September.

Uchenna Izundu
OGJ International Editor

LONDON, July 20 -- Construction of the $3 bilion petrochemicals complex in Tianjin, China, owned by Sinopec and SABIC is slated for completion in September.

The complex will have a production capacity of 3.2 million tonnes/year, including a 1 million tpy ethylene cracker and will produce other products, including polyethylenes, ethylene glycol, polypropylene, butadiene, phenol, and butene-1 (OGJ Online, Dec. 15, 2008).

In June 2008, the project’s costs were expected to surpass $2.5 billion, but have since risen due to the expanded scope of the plant.

The Chinese National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has approved both companies forming a 50:50 joint venture for the complex. It follows a strategic cooperation agreement signed by both parties on June 21, 2008, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The companies will also assess adding polycarbonates at the facility using SABIC’s technology.

China is the world’s largest petrochemical market based on high growth rates realized by the Chinese economy, said SABIC. NDRC’s approval means that it will ensure that the company will be able to reach its customers with local products and services.

Contact Uchenna Izundu at [email protected].