The newly commissioned furnace will improve feedstock flexibility, enhance plant reliability and increase ethylene annual production capacity to around one million metric tonnes, according to the company.
In 2013, the company also revamped the steam cracker to process ethane, as part of the optimization measures.
BASF petrochemicals senior vice president Heidi Alderman said the investment is another example of BASF TOTAL’s strong commitment to its Port Arthur operations.
"The safe and successful startup of the 10th furnace, along with other optimization measures taken at the steam cracker facility, enhances the joint venture’s competitive position within the petrochemicals industry," Alderman added.
BASF TOTAL Petrochemicals is a joint venture of BASF and Total Petrochemicals &Refining USA, which owns 60% and 40% respectively.
