Total and state-owned Sonatrach of Algeria have agreed to start engineering studies for a propane dehydrogenation and propylene complex in Arzew.
The $1.4-billion project, owned 51% by Sonatrach and 49% by Total, would have output capacity of 550,000 tonnes/year of polypropylene. The partners plan to start front-end engineering and design this summer, subject to approvals.
The companies formed a comprehensive partnership last year.