- The project represents a €4 billion investment in the port of Antwerp.
- Construction will take four years, with the plant operational by 2026.
- The ethane cracker will produce ethylene, a widely used basic chemical.
- At peak, the construction site will employ over 3,000 workers.
Project Overview
On 15 December, a symbolic sheet pile was driven into the ground in the port of Antwerp, marking the start of Project One, an innovative ethane cracker. This project represents the largest investment in European chemistry in the past 25 years, with a total investment of around €4 billion. The plant will be constructed over four years and is expected to be operational by 2026.
Employment and Economic Impact
During the construction phase, the project will employ hundreds of people, with the workforce peaking at over 3,000. Once operational, the plant will create 450 new jobs, including 300 payroll positions and 150 permanent contractor roles, along with thousands of indirect jobs. The project is expected to significantly boost the local economy and strengthen the port of Antwerp's position in the chemical sector.
Sustainability and Technology
The ethane cracker will be the most sustainable of its kind, producing ethylene with the lowest carbon footprint in Europe. Ethylene is a crucial basic chemical used in various applications, including medical products, lightweight car components, and packaging. The plant will utilize the best available technology to ensure environmental and energy efficiency gains.
Construction Details
Preparatory works began in the summer following the granting of the environmental permit in June. The construction site, managed by the Antwerp temporary partnership Mourik-Aertssen, involves extensive earthworks, drainage, and sheet piling. The project will require 4 km of sheet piling, 26 km of drainage, and 300,000 tonnes of earthmoving. The next phase will start early next year with the digging of construction pits and the insertion of foundation piles for the cracker.
