Bechtel and Linde AG to work together on ethylene crackers expected to grow on shale gas in N America

28-Jul-11

Bechtel Corporation and Linde AG plan to work together to expand and build ethylene crackers in North America. With the growth in shale gas production in North America, ethylene producers are planning new grass-roots projects and major expansions. The combination offers Bechtel's unmatched engineering, procurement, and direct-hire construction (EPC) capabilities and Linde's proven ethylene technology provides customers a complete EPC/Technology provider. The alliance draws on the companies' previous work together at the Borouge petrochemicals complex in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where they teamed up to perform engineering, procurement, construction, and start-up for the ethylene plant, off-site facilities, and utilities at the complex. As per Jack Futcher, president of Bechtel's Oil, Gas & Chemicals unit, “Linde's record of success makes the company a strong partner for Bechtel. We are thrilled to be working with them again.” “Linde is excited about the renewed collaboration with Bechtel in North America which couples the best ethylene technology with the most experienced direct-hire EPC company in North America. Together we shall offer the most competitive ethylene solutions to the North American petrochemical industry,” said Dr. Aldo Belloni, member of the Executive Board of Linde AG.