Aster will invest $80 million to double Singapore’s ethylene export capacity by 2027, strengthening regional petrochemical supply integration.
Aster Chemicals and Energy Pte. Ltd. has officially approved a major investment initiative worth approximately $80 million to significantly enhance its ethylene export capabilities in Singapore. The company has reached a Final Investment Decision (FID) to move ahead with the expansion project at its Ethylene Cracker Complex, reinforcing its long-term strategy to strengthen regional petrochemical supply chains and improve export infrastructure across Asia.
As part of the project execution phase, Aster has awarded several engineering, procurement, and construction contracts to strategic industry partners. Among the principal collaborators selected for the development are Toyo Engineering Corporation and UTOC Engineering Pte Ltd, both recognized for their strong technical expertise and experience in industrial infrastructure projects.
The awarded contracts include detailed engineering design, procurement services, and construction activities linked to the installation of an additional parallel ethylene chiller system. The project also involves expanding outbound ethylene export logistics facilities at Bukom, a critical petrochemical hub in Singapore. Once completed, the new infrastructure is expected to double the site’s ethylene export capacity, enabling more efficient handling and transportation of petrochemical products to international markets.
The expansion is scheduled for completion in 2027 and is expected to create stronger operational integration between the Bukom facility and the cracker operations of Chandra Asri in Cilegon, Indonesia. By connecting production and export systems more closely across the two locations, the companies aim to establish a more resilient and streamlined C2 derivatives value chain throughout the region. This development is also expected to reinforce Singapore’s importance as a key petrochemical and energy trading hub within the broader Asian market.
Toyo Engineering Corporation brings decades of experience in hydrocarbon processing, refining, and petrochemical plant engineering across Asia. The company has previously worked on several complex energy infrastructure developments and is expected to contribute advanced technical knowledge and reliable project execution capabilities to the expansion initiative. Meanwhile, Singapore-based UTOC Engineering will provide specialized industrial construction expertise, supporting on-site implementation and operational coordination throughout the project lifecycle.
According to Aster, both companies were chosen not only for their engineering capabilities and strong safety standards, but also for their ability to contribute to Singapore’s industrial ecosystem through the creation of skilled jobs and specialized project activities.
Mashhad Dohadwala, Director for Projects and Technology at Aster, stated that awarding these contracts marks a critical step toward achieving the company’s broader vision of increasing export capacity, improving supply reliability, and enhancing integration across its petrochemical value chain. He emphasized that rising ethylene demand across Asia makes Singapore’s role as a dependable, high-capacity export center increasingly important, both commercially and strategically. Dohadwala added that Toyo and UTOC possess the expertise and operational strength necessary to successfully deliver the expansion project.
Representing Toyo Engineering, Senior Executive Officer Eiji Sakata expressed appreciation for being selected for the Ethylene Chiller Unit Revamp Project. He noted that the company’s prior experience with the existing facility would support efficient and high-quality project execution. Sakata also highlighted that the initiative would contribute to improving regional ethylene export capabilities while further strengthening Toyo’s partnership with Aster.
Kelvin Yeo, Senior Director at UTOC Engineering, also welcomed the collaboration opportunity, stating that the company is committed to delivering strong performance in safety, construction quality, and project execution. He acknowledged the challenges associated with operating in a rapidly evolving industrial environment but expressed confidence that the partnership would successfully achieve its long-term objectives.
