Plans are progressing for a major Caustic Soda and ethylene dichloride (EDC) complex at Salalah Free Zone (SFZ). Promoters are set to break ground on the project before the end of 2012 and commission it by 2014-end. The project is being developed by Saltic FZCO (formerly known as Oswal Oman Caustic FZCO). Total investment in the venture is estimated at US$400-500 mln.
According to officials at Salalah Free Zone, the project has two key components: a 1,000 tons per day (tpd) capacity caustic lye plant alongside a 1,231 tpd ethylene dichloride facility. Significant progress has been made on the engineering design of the grassroots venture. Technology for the caustic soda plant will be provided by Chlorine Engineers Corporation of Japan, while Ineos of Europe will provide the know-how for the EDC facility. SNC Lavalin Engineering India and STX Korea have also been involved in the detailed engineering of the project.
Salalah Free Zone has earmarked around 80 hectares of land for the development of the complex against a 25-year lease (with extension options). Salalah Port Services (SPS) is reported to have signed an MoU with Saltic FZCO for access and use of its port facilities.
Likewise, provisional agreements committing up 150 MW of electrical power for the project have been reached, underlining the keen support extended by Dhofar’s authorities towards the early and successful realisation of this important industrial investment.
14-Mar-12 
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