ExxonMobil to invest US$175 mn to upgrade Scottish ethylene plant

US oil/petchem firm ExxonMobil is investing US$175 million, to upgrade infrastructure and add new technologies to its ethylene plant in Mossmorran, Fife, Scotland, to boost the performance and reliability of the site.

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“These planned investments demonstrate our commitment to long-term reliable operations at the site,” Jacob McAlister, plant manager of the Fife site. “While already one of the most modern plants of its kind in Europe, we are always looking for ways to improve reliability and efficiency through continued maintenance and investment in new technologies. Fire has a long-term future as a competitive asset, contributing to both the local and national economies.”

The company plans to install equipment for flaring, including a new flare tip to reduce noise and vibration.

“We are committed to the highest operational and regulatory standards,” McAlister said. “This investment further contributes to the local economy and across Scotland through job creation and procurement contracts.”

Opened in 1985, the Fife facility currently has a capacity of 800,000 tonnes/year of ethylene.

ExxonMobil announced a £800 million investment to expand its Fawley refinery and petrochemical plant in April and the firm completed a £75 million project to increase capacity at its Newport, Wales advanced elastomers plant this May.