U.S.: Total, Borealis and NOVA Chemicals sign definitive agreements to form a joint venture in petrochemicals

The joint venture – in which Total will own 50% and Novealis Holdings LLC, a joint venture between Borealis and NOVA Chemicals, will own the remaining 50% – will commence subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory approvals.

The joint venture will include:

• the under-construction 1 Mt/y (2.2 b lb) ethane steam cracker in Port Arthur, Texas
• Total’s existing polyethylene 400 kt/y (880 m lb) facility in Bayport, Texas
• a new 625 kt/y (1.35 b lb) Borstar ® polyethylene unit at Total’s Bayport, Texas, site, following a decision on the outcome of an acceptable EPC contract

As announced in March 2017, the new $1.7 billion ethane steam cracker is being built alongside Total’s Port Arthur refinery and Total/BASF’s existing steam cracker. The project, which is scheduled to start up in 2020, will create around 1,500 jobs during peak engineering and construction activity.

“This agreement is a key milestone for this integrated petrochemicals project. This joint venture is aligned with Total’s strategy to strengthen our position by taking advantage of low-cost U.S. gas,” said Bernard Pinatel, President, Refining & Chemicals, Total. “We look forward to working with Borealis and NOVA Chemicals to create world-class facilities and become a major player in the growing U.S. and global market for polyethylene.”

“The JV with Total and NOVA Chemicals is a key project in advancing our global growth. Not only are we convinced of the excellent cost economics of this integrated brownfield investment project, but we are also excited to bring our unique product grades based on our Borstar technology to the North American market,” said Borealis CEO Mark Garrett.  

“A key component of NOVA Chemicals’ growth strategy is to expand beyond our traditionally Canadian footprint by extending our presence in the U.S. Gulf Coast,” stated NOVA Chemicals CEO, Todd Karran. “Partnering with Total and Borealis will allow us to better serve our customers throughout the Americas by delivering a broader slate of products that help make everyday life healthier, easier and safer.”

END

For further information please contact:

Borealis
Virginia Mesicek
External Communications Manager| tel.: +43 1 22 400 722 (Vienna, Austria)
email: virginia.mesicek@borealisgroup.com

Total 
Media Relations: +33 1 47 44 46 99 | presse@total.com | @TotalPress
Investor Relations: +44 (0)207 719 7962 | ir@total.com

NOVA Chemicals
Media Relations: Mark Horner,Director, Corporate Communications | mark.horner@novachem.com
Investors Relations: Patty Masry, Leader, External Financial Reporting | patty.masry@novachem.com

NOVA Chemicals’ logo is a registered trademark of NOVA Brands Ltd.; authorized use.
Responsible Care® is a registered trademark of the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada.
Borstar is a registered trademark of the Borealis Group.