In a move towards maintaining self-sufficiency in fuel and petrochemical feedstock, the state-owned Brazilian company Petrobras has launched the $6.5 billion Comperj (Rio de Janeiro Petrochemical Complex). The complex is to be located Rio region's municipalities of Itaborai and Sao Goncalo, based on technical, economic and environmental criteria. Proximity of the site to Petrobras' existing complex in Rio de Janeiro, the availability of labour for construction as well as operations, and proximity to the port have been the factors guiding the location of the project.
The initial phase of the project involves the construction of a Basic Petrochemical Unit (UPB) in partnership with the National Economic and Social Development Bank (BNDES) and other interested parties representing an investment of US$ 3.5 billion.
Estimated annual production at the Petrochemical Complex will include 1.3 million tons of ethane, 900,000 tons of propane, 360,000 tons of benzene and 700,000 tons of paraxylene, as well as oil products, principally coke, adding value to 150,000 bpd of heavy oil from the Campos Basin.
28-Jul-06 
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