Recent developments
Marine fuels shift
Japan completed its first ship-to-ship methanol bunkering at Yokohama, transferring domestically produced biomethanol between MGC‑chartered vessels under MLIT standards, signaling operational readiness for methanol as a marine fuel.
Gulf capacity build
ADNOC and TAQA signed a 27-year Utilities Purchase Agreement to supply the TA’ZIZ Industrial Chemicals Zone in Ruwais, enabling a central utilities platform and supporting 4.7 Mtpa by 2028 across methanol, low‑carbon ammonia, PVC/EDC/VCM, and caustic soda.
Japan olefins decarbonization
Asahi Kasei, Mitsui Chemicals, and Mitsubishi Chemical entered a basic agreement to decarbonize and optimize ethylene production, consolidating capacity at OPC Takaishi by fiscal 2030 and retiring the Mizushima/Kurashiki unit. Using the HtA Support Program, a bioethanol‑to‑olefins unit with Revolefin technology targets joint commercial operation by fiscal 2034.
Procurement dynamics
Nouryon recognized multiple partners through its Supplier of the Year awards spanning logistics, intermediates, ethylene, silicates, oleochemicals, salt, and electricity. Separately, Borealis received Nouryon’s Supplier of the Year Award in Ethylene and Fuel Gas.
Pricing and leadership
LANXESS announced a EUR 100/t increase in adipic acid prices globally due to higher raw‑material costs. Nobian announced a CFO transition to Thorsten Krekels, with continuity measures in place.