ExxonMobil's Fife ethylene plant in Scotland returns to the market

New York — ExxonMobil Chemical has completed the restart of its Fife ethylene plant at Mossmorran, Scotland, a spokesman said Friday.

With its 830,000 mt/year of ethylene production capacity, the plant is one of Europe's largest petrochemical cracker sites.

It has returned to the market after a shutdown of almost six months due to planned and unplanned works since August.

"In re-starting equipment after an extended period, we took the time required to diligently test and re-test processes and safety procedures," the company said in its community announcement.

"While I am sure we would all have liked to have returned to production more quickly, we will never compromise the safety of our staff or the public," ExxonMobil said.

The restart adds to the a lengthy ethylene complex, especially along the Northwest European coast where the market has struggled on the coronavirus fallout impact on downstream demand with Asian exports opportunities also remaining closed, market sources said.