The Botlek plant consists of two major operating facilities in the industrial complex of the port of Rotterdam: a propylene oxide (PO)/tert-butyl alcohol (TBA) plant and a butanediol (BDO) plant that is the largest of its kind in the world. In addition, LyondellBasell operates a deep-water terminal in the Europoort area.
Propylene oxide is an intermediate chemical used to manufacture a number of everyday products, ranging from seat cushions and pet food to antifreeze, paints and coatings. PO is also used to produce propylene glycol, a basic chemical used in the production of unsaturated polyester resin, humectants for tobacco and food products and for solvents used in the cosmetics industry. TBA is used in the production of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) and ethyl tertiary butyl ether (ETBE), which is blended into gasoline to enhance the octane number and to reduce vehicle emissions. BDO and its derivatives are used for the production of fibers, engineering plastics, pharmaceutical preparations, personal care products and high performance coatings.
The Botlek plant is located at Seinehaven, near the Hartelkanaal in the vicinity of the Nieuwe Maas estuary. The Botlek plant covers 48 hectares (118 acres) and is located 12 km southwest of the city of Rotterdam. The plant has an independent inner harbor and has its own train and truck terminal. The Europoort site has loading and unloading facilities and tank storage for propylene and mixed butanes. The terminal is linked to the Botlek and Maasvlakte plants by two 7-km pipelines. The site was built in 1991 and is located at the 7th Petroleumhaven nearby the Nieuwe Waterweg on the Calandkanaal. It is located 16 km southwest of the city of Rotterdam and 3 km northwest of the Botlek site. The Europoort site covers 25 hectares (62 acres).
LyondellBasell At A Glance
LyondellBasell is the world’s third-largest independent chemical company. We have annual revenues of approximately $41 billion* and more than 14,000 employees worldwide. Our vertically integrated facilities, broad product portfolio, manufacturing flexibility, superior technology base and reputation for operational excellence enable us to deliver exceptional value to our customers across the petrochemical chain – from refining to advanced product applications.
*Based on 2010 revenues
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