Shell Begins Production at New Petrochemicals Unit on Gulf Coast

Shell recently announced that it has begun production of the fourth alphaolefins unit at its chemical manufacturing site in Geismar, Louisiana. The expansion will bring total alphaolefin production at the site to more than 1.3 million tons per year, making it the largest producer of alphaolefins in the world.

Alphaolefins are key ingredients in many finished products, including motor oils, laundry detergents and hand soaps.

"Our team delivered this world-class expansion project safely, on time and within budget," said Graham van't Hoff, executive vice president for Shell's global chemicals business. "This is a key growth project for Shell's global chemicals business. Geismar will continue to play a leading role in providing the materials for products that an increasing number of people need and enjoy."

The new unit is expected to strengthen Shell's position on the U.S. Gulf Coast and illustrate the value of its integrated downstream business. The Geismar site is supported with ethylene feedstock from Shell's nearby manufacturing sites in Norco, Louisiana, and Deer Park, Texas.

The expansion project includes approximately 3,570 tons of steel, more than 60,000 feet of concrete and nearly 53 miles of pipe. Several new pieces of infrastructure were built as part of the project, including a new water-cooling tower, an expansion of the site's rail-loading capabilities and the repurposing of a previously idled tank farm.

For more information, visit www.shell.com.