Shell Launches Butadiene Extraction Unit Project in Singapore

Shell Eastern Petroleum (Pte) Ltd today announced that it has taken a final investment decision to proceed with the construction of a new butadiene extraction unit on Pulau Bukom (or Bukom Island), Singapore.  The project will have an initial capacity of 155 kilo tonnes per annum and is part of the world-scale Shell Eastern Petrochemicals Complex (SEPC)*, targeted for start-up in 2009/2010. The project will now enter the implementation phase.

“This project is yet another significant investment in Shell’s downstream business portfolio, and in Singapore.  As an integral part of SEPC, it will help us to meet the demands of the region’s fast-growing petrochemical industry.  Shell remains committed to grow chemical investments in Asia-Pacific, and today’s announcement is another example of how we are delivering on our ‘Grow East’ strategy,” said Pieter Eijsberg, SEPC General Manager.

The Shell Group is considered the largest marketer of butadiene globally.  It has now contracted a large part of the new plant capacity for butadiene to customers, and discussions are in progress with a number of potential customers for raffinate-1.

Butadiene is used primarily in the production of polymers, co-polymers and chemical intermediates.  Examples include styrene-butadiene rubber, polybutadiene rubber, adiponitrile and butanediol.

*Shell Eastern Petrochemicals Complex is not a legal entity.

Notes to Editors

Shell Chemicals collectively refers to the companies of the Shell Group engaged in the chemicals business.  Shell chemicals companies manufacture and deliver petrochemical building blocks and polyolefins to industrial customers.  These products are widely used in plastics, coatings and detergents. For further information or to download photos please visit: Shell Chemicals website - opens in new window.

Media enquiries

Shell Singapore Media Relations: Oh Yam Chew, +65 6384 8943. yam-chew.oh@shell.com

Shell Chemicals: Bianca Ruakere, +44 207 934 4506. bianca.ruakere@shell.com

International Media Relations: Alexandra Wright, +44 207 934 3277. alexandra.wright@shell.com

Investor enquiries

Europe: Tjerk Huysinga, +31 70 377 3996 / tjerk.huysinga@shell.com  

USA: Harold Hatchett, +1 212 218 3112 / harold.hatchett@shell.com

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