European Chemical Industry News & Insights

€65 Million Investment in Rotterdam Port

At a glance
  • Air Liquide will invest €65 million in a new carbon monoxide unit in Rotterdam.
  • The plant will be commissioned in the first half of 2015.
  • Huntsman will receive carbon monoxide for its MDI plants in the Botlek area.
  • MDI is a key component in manufacturing polyurethane.

Investment Overview

Rotterdam, the second largest chemical and petrochemical basin in Europe, will see an additional €65 million investment from Air Liquide. This investment aims to meet the sustained demand for industrial gases in Western Europe.

New Production Unit

Air Liquide has signed a long-term contract with Huntsman to supply carbon monoxide to Huntsman's MDI plants in the Botlek area of the Port of Rotterdam. A new carbon monoxide production unit will be built next to Air Liquide’s existing facilities, doubling the company's production capacity in the basin.

Timeline and Technology

The new plant is scheduled to be commissioned in the first half of 2015. Designed and built by Air Liquide’s Engineering and Construction teams, the plant will incorporate the latest technologies to ensure high levels of energy efficiency, reliability, and safety.

MDI and Polyurethane

MDI (Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate) is a crucial component in the production of polyurethane, which is used in various applications such as high resilience foam seating, durable elastomeric wheels, and high-performance adhesives.