Fluor completes mechanical works on BASF’s Zhanjiang Verbund project, achieving world-class safety and advancing sustainable chemical production in China.
Fluor Corporation has announced the successful mechanical completion of BASF’s Zhanjiang Verbund Site project in South China, marking a significant milestone for one of the most complex chemical developments undertaken in the region. The Zhanjiang project represents BASF’s largest single investment globally and underscores the company’s long-term commitment to expanding its manufacturing footprint in China.
The completion of this major phase was achieved with an exceptional safety performance, recording more than 75 million work hours without a single Lost Time Injury (LTI). This safety achievement reflects Fluor’s strong culture of safety excellence and disciplined project execution across all stages of the development.
Commenting on the milestone, Pierre Bechelany, Business Group President of Energy Solutions at Fluor, emphasized the significance of the accomplishment. He noted that the successful delivery highlights Fluor’s unwavering focus on safety, quality, and reliability when executing complex, world-scale chemical projects. Bechelany also praised the dedication of the project teams and partners, stating that Fluor is proud to support BASF’s strategic growth ambitions in China through the delivery of this advanced Verbund site.
Fluor played a pivotal role by providing comprehensive engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) support for the site’s integrated operations. The scope of work included the delivery of an EOEG (ethylene oxide and ethylene glycol) process unit, a high-voltage 220kV electrical substation, steam generation facilities, advanced water treatment systems, seawater intake infrastructure, and distributed cooling towers. In addition, Fluor supported the construction of wastewater treatment and waste management units, a container yard, automated warehouses, and extensive site-wide piping, logistics, and utility infrastructure—elements essential for ensuring seamless and efficient plant operations.
Charles McManemin, President of Fluor’s Chemicals business, described the achievement as a defining moment for the project team. He highlighted that Fluor’s long-standing partnership with BASF is rooted in trust, technical expertise, and a shared commitment to safety and operational excellence. According to McManemin, the mechanical completion milestone is the result of years of close collaboration, innovation, and disciplined performance across engineering, construction, and project management phases.
Construction activities began with early site work in late 2021. At peak execution, the project mobilized approximately 13,000 workers across multiple construction zones, demonstrating the scale and complexity of the development. Coordinating such a large workforce while maintaining high safety and quality standards further reinforces Fluor’s capabilities in delivering mega-projects.
Once fully operational, the Zhanjiang Verbund Site will become BASF’s third-largest Verbund site globally, following its flagship sites in Ludwigshafen and Antwerp. The site is expected to serve as a benchmark for sustainable and integrated chemical production, both within China and internationally. Its output will primarily supply customers in the Chinese market, which is currently the world’s largest and fastest-growing chemical market, reinforcing BASF’s strategic positioning in the region.
