Shell and BASF open Singapore SM/PO plant
15 Oct 2002
Shell and BASF have opened the largest styrene monomer/propylene oxide (SM/PO) in Asia, the Ellba Eastern plant in Singapore. Producing 550 000tp of SM and 250 000tpa of PO, the plant cost over $500million, and took over 15million work-hours to build, without a single lost-time injury.
The plant uses Shell's proprietary SM/PO technology which, according to chief executive Evert Henkes, 'allows us to make a major economic contribution to the region while, at the same time, minimising the impact on the environment.'
Shell's share of product from Ellba Eastern, mostly PO or PO derivatives such as polyols and ethylene glycol, will be used in Shell's plants around the world; BASF's share will be destined for more local uses, supplying polyurethane producers in Asia who, in turn, supply the automotive, household goods and sportswear sectors. The styrene will mainly be used in BASF's production facilities in Asia.
The plant will meet a fast-growing demand for PO, says BASF director Jürgen Hambrecht. 'In the long term, the Asian market demand for polyurethanes will be about one-third the total global demand, with annual growth rates expected to be significantly higher compared with other regions.'
