Total agrees to set up petchem JV with Borealis, NOVA

Total said it has signed an agreement to set up a petrochemicals joint venture on the U.S. Gulf Coast with Borealis and NOVA Chemicals.

The joint venture will include the under-construction 1 million tonnes per year (2.2 b lb) ethane steam cracker in Port Arthur, Texas, Total’s existing polyethylene 400 kilo tonnes per year (880 m lb) facility in Bayport, Texas and a new 625 kilo tonnes per year polyethylene unit at Total’s Bayport, Texas, site, following a decision on the outcome of an acceptable EPC contract, Total said in a statement.

The joint venture – in which Total will own 50 per cent and Novealis Holdings LLC, a joint venture between Borealis and NOVA Chemicals, will own the remaining 50 per cent – will begin after customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.

The new $1.7 billion ethane steam cracker is being built alongside Total’s Port Arthur refinery and Total/BASF existing steam cracker. The project, which is scheduled to start up in 2020, will create around 1,500 jobs during peak engineering and construction activity.

“This agreement is a key milestone for this integrated petrochemicals project. This joint venture is aligned with Total’s strategy to strengthen our position by taking advantage of low-cost U.S. gas,” said Bernard Pinatel, president, refining and chemicals at Total. “We look forward to working with Borealis and NOVA Chemicals to create world-class facilities and become a major player in the growing U.S. and global market for polyethylene.”

“The JV with Total and NOVA Chemicals is a key project in advancing our global growth. Not only are we convinced of the excellent cost-economics of this integrated brownfield investment project, but we are also excited to bring our unique product grades based on our Borstar technology to the North American market,” said Borealis CEO Mark Garrett.

“A key component of NOVA Chemicals’ growth strategy is to expand beyond our traditionally Canadian footprint by extending our presence in the U.S. Gulf Coast,” said NOVA Chemicals CEO, Todd Karran. “Partnering with Total and Borealis will allow us to better serve our customers throughout the Americas by delivering a broader slate of products that help make everyday life healthier, easier and safer.”