Polimeri Europa does not expect shutdown of steam cracker operations, PE plants in Dunkirk, France, following Oct. 21 explosion to affect PE supplies

Alison Gallant

LOS ANGELES , October 28, 2011 (Industry Intelligence) – Polimeri Europa does not expect polyethylene supply to be greatly affected by the closure of its two PE plants and its steam cracker operations in Dunkirk, France, following an explosion on Oct. 21, reported Platts on Oct. 28, citing sources.

The company’s 380,000-tonne per year steam cracker as well as its 250,000-tonne/year linear low density PE plant and 180,000-tonne/year low density PE plant are currently undergoing repairs.

Although a force majeure has been declared for its ethylene and propylene supplies, the company has not done so for PE, Platts reported.

Both the cracker and PE plants are expected to resume operations in mid-November.

The cause of the explosion at the petrochemical site is still under investigation.

The primary source of this article is Platts, New York, on Oct. 28, 2011.

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