Mitsubishi Chemical, Asahi Kasei evaluating integration of naphtha cracking operations

04-Jun-09

In the wake of reduced petrochemical demand and the upcoming mega projects in the Middle East, Japan's Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings and Asahi Kasei are evaluating options to integrate the Mizushima-based naphtha cracking operations of their respective subsidiaries. The two companies have together implemented a range of measures to heighten the competitiveness of their petrochemical complexes located adjacently in the Mizushima industrial zone of Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan, both independently and in concert with the Research Association of Refinery Integration for Group-Operation (RING). As a part of the study, Mitsubishi Chemical and Asahi Kasei are considering to establish a joint-venture company to perform unified operation of their respective naphtha crackers in Mizushima. The streamlining of naphtha cracker facilities will be effected within three years, the press statement indicated. Derivatives from the products of naphtha cracking are excluded from the scope of evaluation