Shell makes progress on site work for Pennsylvania petchem complex
HOUSTON – Shell Chemical Appalachia LLC has made progress on site preparations for its new major petrochemicals complex in Pennsylvania, USA. The early works program is in preparation for the start of main site construction in late 2017, with commercial production beginning early next decade.
“This project is a great investment for a key part of the USA,” said Graham van’t Hoff, Executive Vice President for Royal Dutch Shell plc’s global Chemicals business. “Our site preparation and detailed design and engineering work has been progressing safely, efficiently and to the highest standards of engineering.”
The site preparation program includes the removal of pre-existing foundations and associated environmental remediation work. It also included the installation of steel pilings for the foundations of several permanent structures. The latest site work has been the laying of concrete to complete the foundations, which started in March.
Shell has finished the relocation of an existing state highway and made improvements to interchanges. The improvements will benefit motorists in the area and help accommodate trucks working on the main construction phase.
Shell has also completed two large river docks to receive equipment during construction. This will allow for large items of equipment to arrive by barge.
The petrochemicals complex will use ethane from shale-gas producers in the Marcellus and Utica basins to produce 1.6 MMt of polyethylene per year. Polyethylene is used in many products, from food packaging and sports equipment to garden furniture. The project will help bring economic growth and jobs to the region, with up to 6,000 construction workers involved in building the facility. We expect to create around 600 permanent employee positions when the complex is completed.
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