Site

The Singapore Essential Chemicals Complex is a world-class, integrated petrochemical and chemical manufacturing hub located on Ayer Merbau, part of Jurong Island, Singapore. The complex is a cornerstone of Singapore’s energy and chemicals industry, supporting a wide range of downstream industries and exports across Asia.

Complex I

• Origins: Launched in 1977 through collaboration between the Singapore and Japanese governments and major international partners such as Sumitomo Chemical, Shell, Chevron Phillips, and Celanese.
• Construction: Began in 1980 with an investment of S$2 billion.
• Operations: Commenced commercial production in February 1984.
• Location: Sited on Ayer Merbau, which was transformed from a small fishing village into an industrial hub.
• Role: Served as the foundation for Singapore’s petrochemical industry, producing essential building blocks like ethylene, propylene, acetylene, butadiene, and benzene, as well as supplying utilities and common services to more than ten pipeline customers on Jurong Island.

Complex II

• Expansion: The Complex II project was launched on 1 March 1994, representing a S$3.4 billion investment.
• Start-up: Began operations in the second quarter of 1997.
• Scope: Included the construction of a second, world-scale ethylene cracker, which doubled the olefins production capacity of the complex and enhanced feedstock flexibility.
• Integration: The expansion added new downstream projects on adjacent Pulau Sakra and increased plant capacities on Ayer Merbau, Seraya, and Sakra.
• Products: Complex II enabled the supply of additional ethylene, propylene, acetylene, benzene, and utilities, further strengthening Singapore’s position as a leading chemicals hub in Asia.

Manufacturing Plants and Capacities
 

Key Features and Strategic Importance

• Centre Company: PCS Pte. Ltd. (Petrochemical Corporation of Singapore) is the centre company, operating the upstream crackers and supplying feedstocks and utilities to downstream pipeline customers.
• Integration: The complex is fully integrated with pipeline customers and leverages Jurong Island’s infrastructure, including naphtha import facilities, berths, and advanced utilities.
• Sustainability: PCS and the complex are committed to sustainable operations, including partnerships to introduce renewable feedstocks and reduce carbon footprint.

References

1. pcs.com, Singapore Petrochemical Complex (accessed 24^th Jun 2025)
2. PCS Brochure 2023 Final.