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In 2024, the European chemical industry continued the trend from the previous year: many companies suspended or permanently closed their factories in Europe in order to cope with the challenging conditions in that market. On April 10–11, ExxonMobil and SABIC decided to shut down their ethylene plants in France and the Netherlands respectively, citing financial losses and the severe lack of competitiveness of these European plants. The total ethylene production capacity affected by these decisions was nearly one million tons, while the propylene production capacity was over 600,000 tons. On April 10, SABIC issued a statement announcing that its olefin cracker unit in Geleen, the Netherlands, would be permanently shut down as part of upcoming on-site maintenance work. According to S&P Global Commodity Insights, Plant 3 for olefins has an annual production capacity of 530,000 tons of ethylene and 325,000 tons of propylene. Meanwhile, ExxonMobil stated on April 11 that it plans to shut down a steam cracker located in Gravenchon, France, along with the associated supporting facilities and logistics operations, by 2024. The Grasburg plant has an ethylene production capacity of 425,000 tons per year and a propylene production capacity of 290,000 tons per year; related derivative products include polyethylene and polypropylene. SABIC stated that competitive market conditions and the commitment to the sustainable development of the Hull plant are the reasons for \"the strategic reorientation of the plant.\" Currently, SABIC is developing an advanced recycling unit at its Hulun plant. SABIC said, “This plant is nearing completion and will play a vital role in recycling plastics and creating a circular economy.” ” According to the announcement, the second cracking unit, Olefin 4, at the Hulun plant will continue to operate. The plant has a production capacity of 700,000 tons per year of ethylene and 360,000 tons per year of propylene. ExxonMobil said that its chemical operations in Gruaisson have incurred losses of over 500 million euros (equivalent to $536 million) since 2018. Charles Amiot, President of ExxonMobil France, said, “It was a very difficult decision for us, but we cannot continue operating with such heavy losses.” ” This closure is expected to affect 677 jobs, which will be phased out by 2025. ExxonMobil said, “Despite efforts to reduce costs and improve the economic viability of the plant, it is not competitive in the market.” ”“Compared to newer units, the steam cracking furnace’s smaller scale, high operating costs in Europe, and high energy prices render it less competitive. ” The company stated that the Esogrosungon refinery is an independent entity and will continue to operate. ExxonMobil also announced on the same day that its French subsidiary Esso SAF plans to sell its FOSSURMER refinery; it is expected that around 310 Esso employees will transfer to the acquiring company, Rhône Energy. ExxonMobil said that the closure of the ethylene plant is not related to the sale of the refinery