Major Milestone for Project ONE in Antwerp

On January 15, 2025, a significant event unfolded at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. COSCO Shipping’s heavy lift vessel, Zhi Yuan Kou, docked at the Project ONE site, delivering the first two furnaces for a new ethane cracker. This delivery marks a pivotal moment for both the port and the European chemical industry. The arrival of these massive furnaces is not just a logistical achievement; it symbolizes a step forward in sustainable industrial practices in Europe.

Significance of the Delivery

The Zhi Yuan Kou, measuring 195.2 meters in length, completed a lengthy journey from Thailand to Antwerp. The furnaces, weighing up to 6,000 tonnes and towering over 60 meters, are crucial components of the ethane cracker under construction. This facility will convert ethane into ethylene, a vital building block for various chemical products. The furnaces are designed to operate at high temperatures, utilizing steam to facilitate the conversion process.

INEOS, the British multinational conglomerate behind Project ONE, received the furnaces at the construction site in Lillo, Antwerp. The monetary value of this delivery is substantial, estimated at around €150 million. Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, emphasized the importance of this project for the European economy. He stated that it strengthens Antwerp’s role as a strategic hub while promoting a sustainable industry in Europe. The successful arrival of these furnaces is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the project.

Looking ahead, the remaining four furnaces are expected to arrive in the first quarter of 2025. John McNally, CEO of INEOS Project ONE, expressed his excitement about the project’s progress. He noted that the arrival of the furnaces marks a transition from a conceptual project to a tangible reality. The construction activity is set to intensify in Antwerp, with a focus on bringing the project to fruition.

Challenges of Overseas Transport

The journey of the furnaces from Thailand to Antwerp was not without its challenges. Due to geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea, the transport had to reroute via the Cape of Good Hope. This diversion extended the journey to a total of 55 days, covering approximately 12,500 nautical miles. Such long-distance transport is critical for the longevity of the furnaces, which are expected to last around 50 years.

To ensure stability during transit, the furnaces were reinforced with a steel framework and securely welded to the ship. Upon arrival, the vessel will remain at the quay wall for several days to facilitate unloading and installation. The Flemish contractor Sarens will oversee this complex operation, utilizing specialized equipment to transport the massive components to their designated positions at the construction site.

The modular construction approach employed in Project ONE has mobilized around 10,000 workers globally. Many of these workers were engaged in module yards in Thailand, Abu Dhabi, and the Philippines. The production of these large-scale modules requires specialized expertise, and only a few construction yards worldwide are equipped to handle such tasks. This method allows for efficient assembly on-site, akin to building with Lego bricks, which is essential given the limited space at the Antwerp site.

Project ONE: A Sustainable Future

Project ONE represents a significant investment in the Antwerp chemical sector, amounting to over four billion euros. This investment is the largest in European chemistry in over two decades. The ethane cracker will play a crucial role in producing ethylene, a key raw material used in various applications, including sustainable energy solutions, lightweight automotive parts, and construction materials.

INEOS has prioritized sustainability in the design of the cracker. The furnaces are equipped with ultra-low NOx burners and combustion air preheaters, maximizing energy efficiency and minimizing emissions. This innovative technology allows the facility to meet 60% of its heat demand using low-carbon hydrogen instead of natural gas. The Project ONE cracker is expected to have half the carbon footprint per tonne of product compared to other similar facilities in Europe.

With operations slated to begin by the end of 2026, Project ONE is poised to make a significant impact on the European chemical landscape. The foundation stone was laid on December 15, 2022, and the project is steadily progressing. As the construction continues, it will not only bolster the local economy but also contribute to a more sustainable industrial future in Europe.