PRNewswire: Shell to Go Ahead With World-Scale Integrated Petrochemicals Complex in Singapore

    LONDON, July 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Shell Eastern Petroleum (Pte)
Ltd (“SEPL) today announced that it has taken a final investment decision
to proceed with the construction of a new world-scale ethylene cracker on
Bukom Island, Singapore. Named Shell Eastern Petrochemicals Complex*
(SEPC), the integrated refinery and petrochemicals project will also
include modifications and additions to the Bukom refinery and a new
world-scale Mono-Ethylene Glycol (MEG) plant utilising Shell’s proprietary
technology on Jurong Island.

    Detailed engineering design and procurement work is progressing well
with construction on the ethylene cracker due to begin later this year and
start-up of the new and modified facilities anticipated by 2009/ 2010.
    The cracker and the new MEG plant will create an advantaged site
through full integration with the Bukom refinery enabling feedstock and
operating benefits. The 800,000 tonnes per annum-cracker will be ideally
positioned to supply cracker products to the new 750,000 tonnes per annum
MEG plant, planned and existing joint venture derivatives plants and to
major customers on Jurong Island via existing undersea pipelines. The
majority of MEG production is expected to be consumed in the region where
there is considerable demand growth expected.

    “This project represents another significant step in Shell’s commitment
towards delivering a profitable downstream business for the Group. Shell is
committed to growing Chemicals investments in Asia Pacific and the Middle
East and today’s announcement is another example of how we are delivering
on that strategy,” said Rob Routs, Executive Director Downstream.
    “We are delighted to have the green light for this project and would
like to thank the Singaporean Government for its invaluable support. Shell
has been in Singapore now for over 100 years and our decision to build a
new cracker represents the latest in a long line of investments in
Singapore. This project reaffirms our commitment to grow our business here
to serve the fast growing petrochemicals demands of this region,” said Tan
Ek Kia, Vice President Ventures and Developments APME.

    *Shell Eastern Petrochemicals Complex is not a business entity.

    Notes to Editors
    Shell companies have their own separate identities but we may sometimes
use “Shell”, “Group, “we” or “us” when we refer to Shell companies in
general or where no useful purpose is served by identifying any particular
Shell company.
    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 refer to the Shell
Chemicals website: http://www.shellchemicals.com/news

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SOURCE Royal Dutch Shell plc