Messer Belgium builds sustainable air separation plant at North Sea Port
- €60 million investment to build an air separation plant at North Sea Port (Evergem), creating 30 jobs
- Construction starts mid-May, commissioning by 2028 and full capacity targeted by 2035
- Plant will produce oxygen, nitrogen and argon via cryogenic air separation, operate CO2-free using green electricity and supply the Lille-Rotterdam axis
Project summary
Messer Belgium received a permit to build an air separation plant at the former Langerbrugge power station in Evergem (North Sea Port); the project is a €60 million investment expected to create 30 jobs.
Production and technology
The facility will produce oxygen, nitrogen and argon by cryogenic air separation (cooling air to about −200°C); liquid products will be stored on site and delivered by tanker to industrial and medical customers; uses include food preservation, medical oxygen therapy/ventilation and argon for welding and insulation.
Schedule and capacity
Permit was issued in early April; construction is due to start mid‑May, commissioning is planned for 2028 and full operational capacity is targeted by 2035.
Market and logistics
The plant is intended to supply customers along the Lille–Rotterdam axis to address regional demand for high‑quality industrial and medical gases.
Source: North Sea Port