Energy, chemicals & infrastructure solutions giant Aster has sealed an agreement with Hitachi Asia to deploy advanced compressor systems that will double ethylene export capacity at the company’s Bukom Island facility. This marks a major push to meet the surging regional and global petrochemical demand.

 

The move positions Aster to supply more of the essential building block used in plastics, textiles and specialty chemicals, reinforcing Southeast Asia’s role in the global chemicals trade. Under the deal, Hitachi will manufacture and deliver two new compressor units from its Japan-based Hitachi Industrial Products plant, with shipment scheduled for January 2027.

 

The upgrade will power a new parallel ethylene chiller system, boost outbound ethylene logistics, and give Aster greater operational flexibility and efficiency. It will also deepen integration with the Chandra Asri cracker in Cilegon, tightening alignment across the region’s C2 derivatives value chain.

 

Mashhad Dohadwala, Aster’s Director for Projects & Technology, said, “With the installation of a parallel chiller to double ethylene export capacity, Aster is strengthening the regional supply network while supporting Singapore’s position as a key petrochemical export hub, backed by 1.1 million metric tons of cracker capacity annually."

 

"This project complements Aster’s continued focus on efficiency, reliable supply, and innovation as outlined in our recent investments, including enhancement of crude and product logistics, renewable operations, and the expansion of sustainable packaging solutions. Our partnership with Hitachi is a clear demonstration of how we are expanding our assets with trusted global partners to build a resilient and integrated chemicals ecosystem.”

 

Chew Huat Seng, General Manager of Industrial Products Business Unit at Hitachi Asia, added, “We are honored to be part of this critical expansion project led by our valued customer. Building on a long and deep-rooted partnership with Aster, Hitachi Asia and Hitachi Industrial Products will ensure smooth project execution, delivery, commissioning and further our long working term relationship with Aster. We remain focused on delivering meaningful goals and shaping a sustainable future together.”

 

Aster is a joint venture between Chandra Asri and Glencore.