The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Hurricane forces US shut-ins for INEOS
Hurricane Harvey has forced petrochemical giant INEOS to temporarily shut-in some off its US facilities.
The tropical storm has caused catastrophic flooding across the state of Texas and has directly impacted on the oil capital of Houston.
While the US Government and local emergency services are trying to minimise the human cost of the storm, major industrial operators have also been taking steps to protect their personnel and local operations.
Among them is INEOS who yesterday updated investors on its emergency response.
“As you know, the arrival of Hurricane Harvey has caused very serious rain and flooding along the gulf coast area of Texas,” Peter Williams, head of investor relations, said.
“During this period, and like other operators in the region, INEOS has been following well established hurricane procedures.
“The primary aim has been to ensure safety of personnel and integrity of assets.
“As a result, INEOS has temporarily closed a number of facilities including those at Green Lake Texas, and at the Chocolate Bayou Works, the Battleground Manufacturing Complex, and at Pasadena near Houston.
“Other facilities at Texas city and Bayport are currently running, but at a reduced rate.
We are pleased to say that all INEOS personnel have been accounted for and are safe.
“The temporary closures affect the Olefins & Polymers, Nitriles, and Phenol (cumene) businesses.
“The company will restart facilities as soon as site and weather conditions allow for safe and effective manufacturing and logistics operations.”
While much of its east coast operations have been impacted, INEOS yesterday confirmed that its Dragon-class convoy fleet was continuing to operate as normal.
The vessels – which carry US shale gas to Europe as feedstocks for its cracker units at Grangemouth and Rafnes, Norway – sail out of Philadelphia which is not affected by Hurricane Harvey.