Shell invests Dh4.4m in chemical terminal

Shell has invested Dh4.4 million in a new chemicals terminal at its Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafz) base.

The opening of the terminal, which was built as part of the company's expansion plans for the Middle East, will raise the capacity of Shell operations in Jebel Ali to almost 8,000 tonnes.

"The increase in the capacity is almost 50 per cent with the new terminal," said Ghassan I. Ashqar, Shell Trading (ME) Private Limited commercial and operations manager, Middle East and Pakistan.

The new terminal was officially opened by the executive chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem.

"The Shell decision to take Jebel Ali Free Zone as a base for managing its operations in the Middle East is considered a successful achievement that reflects the Jafza policy to offer a unique investment environmentfor its clients," said bin Sulayem.

"The expansion of the Shell Chemicals terminal facility is part of our strategy for the development of Shell's chemicals business in the region," said Ashqar.

He said the expansion at Jebel Ali included new storage tanks for polyols and a manufacturing unit for on site processing of a wide variety of polymeric polyol blends.

The Shell Chemicals operation based in Dubai is the regional headquarters for Shell Chemicals distribution network for the Middle East.

The Jafz operation for Shell Chemicals is the main hub, and the development of the terminal confirms the company's commitment to Dubai and Jafz, a PCFC statement said.

The new manufacturing unit at the Shell's Jebel Ali base uses state-of-the-art technology adopted from its plant in Pernis in Holland. "This latest version of the technology, with Shell proprietary software, is the first of its kind in the Middle East," said Ashqar.

The plant is fully computerised and, at the touch of a button, can produce the highest quality polymeric polyol grades.

"As a hub, Dubai and Jafz are very well situated for our needs and it enables us to provide our customers with a proactive and fast service," Ashqar added.