MAIRE announces that NEXTCHEM, through its subsidiary CONSER, its technology licensor for high-value chemical derivatives and biodegradable plastics, has been awarded by Al Baleed Petrochemical Company (ABP) the technology licensing, the process design package and catalyst supply for a Maleic Anhydride plant to be located in the Salalah Free Zone, in Oman.

The plant is part of a chemical park that ABP is developing for the value chain of LPG, methanol and ammonia and will have a capacity of 50,000 tons per year of maleic anhydride, an intermediate used for the production of biodegradable plastics.

The scope of work entails licensing and the process design package for CONSER’s proprietary maleic anhydride technology, as well as the technical assistance during project execution, up to commissioning and start-up. Additionally, CONSER will supply the related catalyst.

This project represents an important step in positioning Oman as a key player in the biodegradable plastics market, leveraging on Salalah Free Zone logistics hub for the petrochemical and natural materials processing sectors.

Alessandro Bernini, CEO of MAIRE, commented: “This award consolidates MAIRE’s position as a world leader in maleic anhydride and its derivatives technology, confirming our role as a technological enabler in strategic geographies".