Saudi Basic Industries Corporation and the UK/Dutch Shell Group are planning to build a polyurethane plant at the Saudi Arabia Petrochemical Company (Sadaf) complex at Jubail in Saudi Arabia.

The project is in the early stages of development so the scope and budget have yet to be decided, but international contractors are now expecting some movement within the next few months in regards to prequalification or tenders.

“From what I am hearing, this is in the feasibility phase, but most contractors are confident that it will start to move by the end of the year,” says a contracting source based in Saudi Arabia. “The plant will tie in with Sabic’s diversification plans because it is a substance that has many uses.”

Polyurethane is derived from monomers and combines the qualities of rubber and plastic. Uses for the material include high performance adhesives, synthetic fibers, insulation panels, seals and gaskets, as well as a number of applications in the automotive industry.

Sabic and Shell were not available for comment when contacted by MEED, but Shell does have some polyurethane technology that could be used for the potential project.

The Sadaf complex has been in operation since 1985 and is a 50:50 joint venture between Sabic and Shell. The complex’s current offtake includes ethylene, crude industrial ethanol, styrene, caustic soda and ethylene dichloride.