Production of basic chemicals in the U.S. is expected to increase its contribution to the country's economy by more than $900 million by 2026

The U.S. petrochemical sector remains one of the main drivers of the national economy. The American Chemistry Council (ACC) estimates that production of basic chemicals will rebound by 1.2% this year -increasing its contribution to the country’s economy by more than $900 million this year-, breaking the downward trend of recent years. In addition, the Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA) projects exports of hydrogen-rich natural gas liquids (HGL)—which are essential for the production of petrochemical products—to exceed $2.7 billion per month during the first quarter of this year.

In this context of growth, blue hydrogen—an essential energy source for the manufacture of petrochemical products—will continue to gain prominence to ensure the sector’s growth. Thus, according to forecasts by the consulting firm Fortune Business Insights, blue hydrogen production—the basis for ammonia production and fuel cell manufacturing—will reach a market value of over $2.6 billion. Obtained from natural gas through a process called “Steam Methane Reforming” (SMR) or “Autothermal Reforming” (ATR), blue hydrogen captures up to 95% of CO2, resulting in a lower environmental impact.

Sarens, world leader in heavy lifting, engineered transport, and crane rental services, continues to support the sector’s growth with over 70 years of experience in developing projects of all types and sizes. Recently, the company collaborated on the installation of new components at a petrochemical plant in Nederland, Texas, where it helped transport 2 flares, 2 pipe racks, and 1 vessel using 30 lines of SPMTs (Self-Propelled Modular Transports) over approximately two weeks.

As part of its involvement in this project, Sarens’ engineering team conducted a preliminary study to more accurately define the route to be followed by the SPMTs, thereby ensuring that their presence and movement would not interfere with the other installation operations taking place at the plant. Thanks to these preparatory tasks, the entire logistics operation was carried out without any incidents, resulting in customer satisfaction and savings in the time and resources required for its completion.

According to Marcos Ramos, Project Manager at Sarens, “We recognize the importance of the petrochemical sector to our country’s economy. That is why we are proud to participate in projects of strategic importance to the state of Texas and, ultimately, to the entire United States. At Sarens, we will continue to contribute the expertise we have gained over decades in the international petrochemical sector to optimize all the processes we are involved in and ensure the safety of both the machinery and components we transport and the professionals we work with.”

Texas petrochemicals, which include olefins such as ethylene and propylene, as well as aromatics such as benzene and toluene, are the foundation for a diverse range of industries. These products are utilized in the manufacturing of plastics and synthetic rubber, as well as the production of solvents and detergents. The demand for these products is driven by sectors such as packaging, automotive and transportation, construction, and electrical and electronics.

Sarens has already worked on some of the most important petrochem projects in Texas, such as the construction and improvement of the Corpus Christi (Texas) refinery, carried out together with Kellogg, Brown and Root (KBR). Previously, this company carried out the transport of an 81 m long propylene rectification tower in San Leon (Texas) using K-25 trailers.

Sarens is the global leader and reference in crane rental, heavy lift and engineered transportation services. With state-of-the-art equipment, value engineering, one of the world's largest inventories of cranes, transporters and special rigging equipment, Sarens offers creative and intelligent solutions to today's heavy lifting and engineering transport challenges.

With more than 100 entities in 65 countries operating without borders, Sarens is an ideal partner for small to large-scale projects. Sarens currently employs 5,000 highly qualified professionals who are ready to serve the needs of any client worldwide and in all market sectors. https://www.sarens.com/