Sembcorp steaming ahead

Mar 13 2010 by Chris Knox, The Journal

TWO of the region’s industrial giants have joined forces in a deal which will minimise the damage done to the region’s chemicals industry following the demise of the INVISTA, Dow and Croda plants in Teesside last year.

The closure of the plants hit Middlesbrough-based Sembcorp in particular as the firm had provided its high-pressure steam to the three plants.

However, it has now signed a deal with Saudi company SABIC to provide the steam to its plant in Wilton, which will allow the site to burn its waste gases more cleanly.

Covering the existing supply of intermediate pressure steam to SABIC, the five-year deal also includes provision for an additional 100 tonnes per hour of high-pressure steam if required.