- INEOS invests €3 billion in Antwerp port, creating 400 direct jobs and 2,000 indirect jobs.
- New PDH and ethane cracker plants will convert propane into propylene and ethane into ethylene.
- The plants will be built on the existing INEOS site in Lillo and neighboring grounds.
- Construction will take 4-5 years, with operations expected to start by 2024.
Investment Overview
INEOS has announced a €3 billion investment in the port of Antwerp, marking the largest capital outlay in the European chemical industry in the past two decades. This investment will create 400 direct jobs and 2,000 indirect jobs, reinforcing Antwerp's position as Europe's largest chemical cluster.
New Production Facilities
The investment includes the construction of a new propane dehydrogenation (PDH) plant and an ethane cracker unit. These facilities will convert propane into propylene and ethane into ethylene, essential raw materials for various industries such as automotive, construction, and pharmaceuticals.
Location and Integration
The new plants will be built on the existing INEOS site in Lillo and neighboring grounds. INEOS will take over unused parts of concessions held by neighboring companies, ensuring maximum integration with the existing chemical industry. The new plants will be connected by pipeline to various INEOS ethylene and propylene derivative units across Europe.
Timeline and Employment
Construction of the new facilities is expected to take four to five years, with operations slated to begin by 2024. During the construction phase, approximately 3,000 people will be employed. Once operational, the plants will provide 400 full-time jobs directly and five times that number indirectly.
Strategic Importance
This investment is seen as a significant boost to the international competitive position of the chemical cluster in Antwerp. It also highlights the strategic importance of the chemical sector in Flanders, further solidifying its role as a key driver of the regional economy.
