Saturday, November 16, 2024 03:20 PM
AG&P Industrial successfully ships its first module to Europe for INEOS's €4 billion Project ONE, enhancing sustainability in the chemical industry.
AG&P Industrial has made a significant milestone by successfully shipping its first-ever module to Europe, specifically to Antwerp, Belgium, for INEOS's ambitious Project ONE, which is valued at over €4 billion. This project is set to revolutionize the chemical industry in Europe by establishing a state-of-the-art ethane cracker plant that will produce ethylene, a crucial building block in various chemical products.
The ethane cracker plant, known as Project ONE, is designed to have a capacity of 1,450 kilotons of ethylene per year. It aims to be one of the most efficient and sustainable chemical plants in Europe, utilizing the best available techniques to minimize its carbon footprint. This means that consumers of the ethylene produced will significantly reduce their carbon emissions—by as much as two million tons annually—compared to current alternatives. To put this into perspective, this reduction is equivalent to the greenhouse gas emissions produced by 1.6 million gasoline-powered cars driven for a year or the energy use of 867,574 homes over the same period.
AG&P's role in this monumental project includes detailed engineering, procurement, fabrication, and modularization of pre-assembled units and pipe racks, all of which will be constructed at their advanced facility in Batangas, Philippines. The collaboration between AG&P, INEOS, and the Wood Group, which will manage engineering, procurement, and construction, showcases a unified effort to deliver this critical project.
Alex Gamboa, President and Managing Director of Global Business Development at AG&P Industrial, expressed pride in being selected for such a flagship project. He stated, "We are honored to be selected by INEOS for its flagship project and for the opportunity for AG&P Industrial to enter Europe for the very first time in our over a century of existence." This selection was not made lightly, as AG&P was chosen from among the top 15 yards globally, meeting stringent European industry standards and necessary certifications.
Project ONE is not just a significant investment in the chemical sector; it is also a commitment to creating jobs and boosting the local economy in Batangas. AG&P Industrial has employed over 2,100 workers for this project, ensuring that all craftsmen are trained and certified to meet European standards. This partnership with INEOS highlights AG&P's dedication to fostering local employment and contributing positively to the community.
As the largest investment in European chemistry in over two decades, Project ONE is set to produce ethylene, which is widely used in various products, from medical applications to household appliances. The plant will also focus on energy efficiency, aiming for a carbon footprint that is less than half that of the top 10% of steam crackers in Europe. With operations expected to commence by the end of 2026, the project is anticipated to create 450 direct jobs and thousands of indirect jobs, with around 2,500 workers employed at the peak of construction.
AG&P Industrial's historic shipment to Europe marks a new chapter in its journey and underscores the importance of sustainable practices in the chemical industry. As Project ONE progresses, it not only promises to enhance the efficiency of chemical production but also serves as a model for future projects aiming to balance industrial growth with environmental responsibility. This initiative is a testament to the potential of collaboration in achieving significant advancements in technology and sustainability.