The work will be carried out by the specialist EHS & Risk Consultancy unit of Aker Kvaerner's Engineering Services business, from its Maastricht offices in the Netherlands. Aker Kvaerner's scope in this first phase will include a gap analysis in comparison with the Directive, review and preparation of procedures and documentation, as well as the preparation of training programmes, communication and action plans. Lyn Fernie, Operations Director, said, "This is one of a number of projects involving the ATEX 137 directive we are performing in the Netherlands. We will be working with SABIC Europe to provide a best practice ATEX approach for a safe and cost-effective implementation of this important directive."

SABIC ATEX Project Manager, Hardy Beckers, said, "As the fourth largest producer of polyolefins in Europe, we are totally committed to sustaining our licence to operate.  Implementation of the ATEX 137 directive is an integral part of that process. Aker Kvaerner's experience on similar projects in the UK and its ATEX benchmarking experience were important factors in our selection."

The world-scale integrated petrochemical complex at Geleen comprises two naphtha cracker plants, six low-density and two high-density polyethylene plants, two polypropylene plants and associated facilities. The two naphtha crackers recently produced their 25 millionth tonne of ethylene, the raw material for one of the most widely used plastics in the world, polyethylene. A total of four million tons of polyolefins and other products per year are produced at this and a second major complex at Gelsenkirchen, Germany.

ENDS

 

 

Media: Torbjorn Andersen, SVP Group Communications, Aker Kvaerner: Tel: +47 67 51 3036 Mob: +47 928 85 542

 

UK: Sarah Weyell, Aker Kvaerner, Stockton-on-Tees: +44 (0)1642 602221

Or Vanessa Mourant, Aker Kvaerner, London: + 44 (0)20 7339 1064 Mobile: +44 (0)7771 806566

 

Netherlands: Dick Schaap, SABIC Europe, Rotterdam: +31 (0)10 4379089 Mob: +651203449

1.        SABIC Europe is a 100 percent affiliate of SABIC, the largest petrochemical producer in the Middle East and the number 4 player in polyolefins worldwide. The group produces almost 5 million tons of polyethylene and polypropylene per year.

2.        AKER KVÆRNER ASA, through its subsidiaries and affiliates ("Aker Kvaerner"), is a leading global provider of engineering and construction services, technology products and integrated solutions. The business within Aker Kvaerner comprises several industries, including Oil & Gas, Refining & Chemicals, Mining & Metals, Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology, Power Generation and Pulp & Paper. The Aker Kvaerner group is organised into two principal business streams, namely Oil & Gas and E&C, each consisting of a number of separate legal entities. Aker Kvaerner is used as the common brand/trademark for most of these entities. The parent company in the group is Aker Kværner ASA. Aker Kvaerner has aggregated annual revenues of approximately NOK 35.6 billion and employs approximately 22,000 people in more than 30 countries.

3.      AK Engineering Services is the trading name of Aker Kvaerner Engineering Services BV, a wholly owned subsidiary of AKER KVAERNER ASA and the legal entity responsible for the execution of the work. AK Engineering Services provides total asset life cycle solutions including conceptual design, engineering, procurement, project management, construction and commissioning, through to operation and maintenance services, modifications and process improvements. Also offered are consultancy services in reliability and production, , business modelling and environmental, health, safety and risk management, validation and compliance, risk based inspection and maintenance.

4.      Directive 1999/92/EC (ATEX 137) is the European directive which lays down the minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres.

This press release may include forward-looking information or statements and is subject to our disclaimer, see our web-pages www.akerkvaerner.com