Award marks important milestone in feasibility study of Saudi-based world-scale steam cracker and derivatives
AL KHOBAR, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and HOUSTON, Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sipchem and LyondellBasell (LYB) have been awarded a feedstock allocation from the Ministry of Energy of Saudi Arabia supporting a joint feasibility study for a world-scale mixed feed cracker complex combined with a diversified derivative portfolio. Sipchem and LYB will assess the viability and optimal structure for the project, which will be advanced on a 60% (Sipchem) | 40% (LYB) ownership basis. The allocation lays the foundation for both parties to define the technical, financial and commercial configuration for the project. Construction of the joint project would result in the manufacturing of petrochemical products and derivatives to serve customers both within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and global export markets while creating several thousand local job opportunities.
With cost-advantaged feedstocks, world-scale assets, leading technologies, and proximity to key international markets, the joint project has the potential to create lasting value. The project will benefit from LYB's technologies to produce differentiated grades of polyethylene and polypropylene, including the Catalloy product line of elastomeric polyolefins.
Sipchem and LYB will jointly explore carbon management solutions including the use of low emission technologies, in support of the parties' and the Kingdom's net zero ambitions.
"Our partnership with LyondellBasell marks an important milestone in our pursuit of ambitious goals for sustainable growth and the strengthening of our position within the petrochemical market locally and globally," said Abdullah Al-Saadoon, Sipchem chief executive officer. "Through this collaboration, we will leverage the latest cutting-edge, energy-efficient technologies, significantly contributing to our environmental objectives and enhancing the sustainability of our operations. We extend our gratitude to the Ministry of Energy for its unwavering support of the petrochemical industry, which has been instrumental in enabling us to achieve our shared goals. We are enthusiastic about advancing this project and are committed to delivering high-quality products that will drive the development of the industrial sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."
"This feedstock allocation is a vital step in our collaboration with Sipchem," said Peter Vanacker, LyondellBasell chief executive officer. "As we move forward with our joint study, with a long-term partnership in mind, we further strengthen our commitment to Saudi Arabia. Thank you to the Ministry of Energy for their support and collaboration as we build on our successful partnership. We look forward to being a larger part of the Kingdom's thriving economy, which continues to grow and provide numerous opportunities for development and innovation."
About LyondellBasell
We are LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) ― a leader in the global chemical industry creating solutions for everyday sustainable living. Through advanced technology and focused investments, we are enabling a circular and low carbon economy. Across all we do, we aim to unlock value for our customers, investors and society. As one of the world's largest producers of polymers and a leader in polyolefin technologies, we develop, manufacture and market high-quality and innovative products for applications ranging from sustainable transportation and food safety to clean water and quality healthcare.
