BP officially starts up world’s largest PTA unit at Zhuhai

BP Zhuhai, in which BP and Zhuhai Port Co. hold an 85 percent and 15 percent stake respectively, is the leading Sino-foreign joint venture producing and marketing PTA in China has officially started up its Phase 3 PTA unit at Zhuhai enhancing its position in the purified terephthalic acid (PTA) market and its long term commitment in China.

With a design capacity of 1.25m t/y, Zhuhai’s Phase 3 is said to be the world’s largest single PTA train unit. Also, the Chinese site is the first to use BP’s latest version of its proprietary process. Compared with conventional PTA technology, the group said that Zhuhai 3 is highly energy efficient, delivering 95% lower solid waste, 65% lower greenhouse gas emissions and 75% lower water discharge. The bulk of output will supply growing demand from China’s polyester textile industry.

Built at a cost of CNY 4.1 bn (about EUR 606m) and engineered by French contractor Technip, the new facility for the polyester feedstock complements two projects already completed by BP at the site, lifting local output to more than 2.7m t/y and the British group’s global PTA capability to 8.25m t/y.

Edward Yang, president of BP China, said that the Zhuhai investment is a good example of their long-term commitment in Guangdong province, which accounts for a large proportion of our investment in China. They look forward to playing a greater and more active role in the progression of the Green Guangdong Agenda by providing their significant experience and expertise in clean energy and energy efficiency.

Erginbilgic, Chief Executive of BP Downstream, at the opening ceremony said that this is a milestone for both BP and BP Zhuhai. At BP, they are committed to becoming the leading downstream business. The safe completion and successful commissioning of Phase 3 is an important part of their intent to keep their petrochemical business competitive globally.

According to Nick Elmslie, Chief Executive of BP’s Petrochemical Business, technology is one of the key drivers for BP’s success. And this latest unit employs BP’s most advanced PTA manufacturing technology that will enable them to deliver high-quality products to their customers with higher operational efficiency and environmental performance.

PTA is the essential raw material for making polyesters extensively used in producing textiles, packaging and film products.