Adnoc achieves full propylene production

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company has achieved full production capacity of polymer-grade propylene from the newly commissioned propane hydrogenation plant at its refining and chemicals hub in the western region of Ruwais.

“The expansion in propylene production will be by over half a million tonnes per year, adding value to our refining operations by integrating with downstream processing units,” said Adnoc Refining chief executive Jasem Al Sayegh.

“It will also help enable our partner company, Borouge, to meet the increasing global demand for specialist polymer products, particularly from the Asia-Pacific region,” he said.

Abu Dhabi, which accounts for 4.2 per cent of the world’s oil production, has prioritised development of the downstream sector, which includes plans to build the world’s biggest refining and chemicals facility by 2025.

Adnoc, which announced its strategy for the sector in May intends to invest up to $45 billion with partners over the next five years in doubling refining and trebling refining capacities in Ruwais.

Propylene is a key ingredient in the manufacture of polymers, which are integral to the production of plastics. Adnoc looks to add more polymer production capacity in Ruwais to keep up with growing demand for the products in Asia.

The state oil company earlier this year awarded engineering, procurement and construction contract for an additional polypropylene plant to be integrated with facilities managed by Borouge, the UAE’s largest chemicals company.