A new petrochemical plant dedicated to producing maleic anhydride, a key intermediate in the production of renewable plastics, is currently in the initial stages of development at the Salalah Free Zone (SFZ) in Dhofar Governorate.
Supported by Al Baleed Petrochemical Company (ABP), the project is part of a chemical park that ABP is developing to create a value chain around LPG, methanol, and ammonia – commodities that are currently produced in abundance in the free zone. The plant’s capacity is estimated at 50,000 tonnes per year, in response to the rising global demand for renewable plastics.
On Thursday, Italian-based company MAIRE, a leader in sustainable technology solutions, announced that its subsidiary, Conser, which specializes in high-value derivatives and renewable plastics technology licensing, has been selected by the Omani firm to provide technology licensing, process design, and catalyst supply for the petrochemical plant in Salalah.
As part of the contract, Conser will provide the process design package for its proprietary maleic anhydride technology, as well as technical assistance throughout the project execution, up to commissioning and start-up. Additionally, the company will supply a crucial catalyst necessary for the production of maleic anhydride.
Maleic anhydride, apart from being essential in the production of renewable plastics, is a vital component in polymers and coatings used in construction, automotive, marine, and energy industries.
Alessandro Bernini, CEO of MAIRE, welcomed the awarding of the contract to Conser and stated: “This award strengthens MAIRE’s position as a global leader in maleic anhydride technology, affirming our role as a technological enabler in strategic regions.”
For the Salalah Free Zone, Oman’s oldest free zone, this new project will further establish its status as a regional hub for sustainable, low-carbon chemicals and energy commodities. The zone already hosts major industrial investments in PET resin manufacturing, as well as LPG, ammonia, and methanol production.
In May 2022, Salalah Free Zone authorities signed a land-use agreement for the development of this petrochemical project, involving an investment of $88 million.
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