Hydrocarbons, C4, ethylene-manuf.-by-product

First of two final heavy modules reached Antwerp after months trapped in the Strait of Hormuz; second expected shortly as installation and commissioning enter peak phase.

Warns China is dumping excess chemical capacity into Europe, calls for faster trade safeguards and ETS Investment Booster support for Project ONE (€5bn) low‑carbon ethylene.

€4.5bn for a new Antwerp ethylene cracker cutting CO2 by two‑thirds vs EU average; no Innovation Fund support. If ETS Booster won’t back it, Europe risks losing large-scale petrochemical investment.

The companies will consolidate ethylene production at Mitsui's site by July 2027 to enhance competitiveness amid declining domestic demand and increased global competition.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe urges the EU to address high energy costs, carbon taxes, and lack of renewal in the chemical sector to prevent further offshoring and industrial decline.

The environmental permit approval enables the construction of Europe's most sustainable ethane cracker, significantly reducing carbon emissions and supporting the renewal of the chemical cluster in Flanders.

The new Antwerp cracker will have the lowest carbon footprint in Europe, use low carbon hydrogen, and create 450 jobs. Supported by 21 banks, the €3.5B financing includes €1.5B uncovered debt.

Symbolic sheet piling marks start of works for a €4bn ethane cracker in Antwerp; construction will last four years with commissioning targeted for 2026.

The permit allows construction of Europe's most sustainable steam cracker, reducing CO2 emissions significantly. The project will create 450 direct jobs and aims for climate neutrality within 10 years.

The Antwerp ethylene plant will produce 1.5 million tons annually by 2026, with a €3-4 billion investment. It will be energy-efficient, sustainable, and involve 675 professionals at peak.