Ineos Grangemouth is marking the 10th anniversary of the arrival of the first US ethane supply.
In September 2016, the JS Ineos Insight became the first, purpose-built Dragon-class vessel to dock at Grangemouth, carrying 27,500 cubic metres of US shale gas ethane.
More than 400 ethane shipments have since been received, providing a secure and reliable supply for petrochemical manufacturing.
Supported by a 2.0 billion US dollars (£1.5 billion) investment from Ineos, the project established a virtual pipeline linking US shale gas fields with Europe via a fleet of specially designed ethane carriers, known as Dragon Ships.
Not only does ethane provide a feedstock for ethylene production, but it also enables us to reduce our reliance on natural gas, helping to mitigate the impact of the UK's exceptionally high energy costs
Nick Williamson, chief executive, Ineos O&P UK, said: “This is a truly remarkable anniversary to celebrate. Only Ineos would have had the vision to pursue such a unique project, recognising the opportunity and overcoming the significant technical and engineering challenges of transporting shale gas ethane across the Atlantic to Europe.
“Ten years on, the success of this investment continues to be felt right across the site.
“With the recently commissioned 10th furnace on the ethylene plant, we have further strengthened our manufacturing capability, ensuring we remain well positioned to meet the UK’s strategic need for ethylene.
“Not only does ethane provide a feedstock for ethylene production, but it also enables us to reduce our reliance on natural gas, helping to mitigate the impact of the UK’s exceptionally high energy costs.
“As we celebrate this important milestone, we also look forward to the opportunities the next decade will bring for our business and the Grangemouth site, building on the success of projects such as this.”