Sebacic to build bio-based nylon project in Duqm

Sebacic Oman plans to build a bio-based nylon project as forward integration of its soon-to-be-commissioned sebacic acid project in the Duqm free zone, said a report. The 10,000 tonne per annum-capacity project, which is expected to produce two grades of bio-nylon (nylon 6-10 and nylon 10-10), will have an estimated capital expenditure of $250 million, added the Times of Oman report. The project will be the first to produce bio-based nylon in the entire Middle East region. Bio-based nylon, which will have applications in aerospace and in engineering polymers, will use sebacic acid from the company and benzene and sulphur from Sohar-based Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industry (Orpic) as raw materials. Pradeepkumar B Nair, chief executive officer of Sebacic Oman, revealed that as much as 70 per cent of the $250 million will be from lending institutions and 30 per cent will be by way of equity capital. Nair also noted that the project is currently in the design stage, which is being carried out by the company’s technology supplier, Cong Associates. The design of the equipment, plant, and machinery will be completed in December 2018, and thereafter, the company will approach financial institutions for the required funds. Also, once the Duqm Refinery starts operations, the company will be able to get benzene and sulphur from a nearby refinery, added the report.