Saudi petrochemicals firm SABIC said on Sunday its joint venture project with ExxonMobil in the U.S. Gulf Coast has started commissioning activities and preparing for an initial startup, according to Reuters.
Ethylene from an ethane cracker will feed three derivative units: one monoethylene glycol unit and two polyethylene units
The project includes the establishment of an ethylene production unit with annual capacity of about 1.8 million tons, which will feed two polyethylene units and a monoethylene glycol unit, the company said in a statement.
SABIC expects that this project will have a positive impact on its consolidated financial statements after the commercial operation begins.
The JV is called Gulf Coast Growth Ventures.
“Gulf Coast Growth Ventures is a key development of our plan to serve growing demand for our high value performance products,” said Karen McKee, president of ExxonMobil Chemical Company, in July when the JV announced mechanical completion for its derivatives.
“This is truly a best-in-class project, as demonstrated in schedule acceleration and cost competitiveness, despite the many challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
