On January 15, the colossal COSCO SHIPPING vessel, Zhi Yuan Kou, docked at Antwerp’s bustling port, carrying an extraordinary piece of cargo—a towering furnace measuring a staggering 60 meters in height. This delivery marks a significant milestone for INEOS’s ambitious Project ONE, a groundbreaking initiative poised to reshape the European chemical industry.
The furnace, an engineering marvel, is destined to be the heart of the ethane cracker at Project ONE, tasked with transforming ethane into ethylene. For those unfamiliar, ethylene is an indispensable component in the chemical sector, serving as the backbone for products ranging from automotive parts and medical devices to renewable energy systems. It’s no exaggeration to say this furnace will play a pivotal role in fueling innovation across multiple industries.
But that’s not all. Accompanying the furnace were several massive pipe racks, integral to supporting the intricate network of pipelines and equipment required for the cracker’s operation. Though these components are vital, they’re just a piece of the larger logistical puzzle. The journey of Project ONE involves a constant stream of specialized cargo, like the splitter delivered in June by Gosselin at the PSA Breakbulk terminal, which highlights the scale and complexity of this undertaking.
Behind the scenes, Gosselin plays a crucial role as the project’s logistical maestro. Acting as a control tower, the company orchestrates everything from the transportation and temporary storage of materials to on-site assembly and inspections. This meticulous coordination ensures just-in-time delivery, minimizing disruptions and keeping the project on track.
INEOS’s Project ONE isn’t just another industrial endeavor; it’s a landmark investment for Europe. Dubbed the largest chemical sector investment since 2000, the project represents a €3 billion commitment to innovation and sustainability. When operational by mid-2026, the ethane cracker is projected to generate around 450 jobs. Beyond its economic impact, it sets a new benchmark for environmental responsibility, emitting 50% less CO2 compared to the least polluting crackers in operation today.
