Eneos Aims to Halt Butadiene Production in Yokkaiichi for Maintenance in March

Eneos, a prominent player in the Japanese petrochemical industry and a significant entity within Eneos Holding, is gearing up for a planned maintenance shutdown of butadiene production at the Kawasaki Line in March. This particular production facility, equipped with a substantial capacity of 105 thousand tons of butadiene, is slated for a temporary cessation until May to facilitate essential maintenance and extensive repairs.

Previous reports shed light on Eneos, formerly identified as JXTG Nippon Oil & Energy, and its affiliation with Eneos Holding. The company resumed butadiene production in Yokkaichi, Japan, on November 7, 2023, after facing an unexpected interruption in October due to an unscheduled repair. The affected production line, capable of yielding 105 thousand tons of butadiene, experienced downtime owing to a breakdown at the on-site cracking unit. Operations resumed only after the successful restoration of the cracker. During this period, the butadiene production line at the same facility, boasting a capacity of 60,000 tonnes per year, continued its routine operations.

Eneos Holding, previously recognized as JXTG, holds the distinction of being Japan's largest oil company, engaging in a spectrum of activities encompassing the exploration, import, and refining of crude oil. The company plays a significant role in the production and distribution of diverse petroleum products, including butadiene, ethylene, propylene, styrene, paraxylene, orthoxylene, as well as fuels and lubricants. Eneos Holding has been expanding its production capacity globally in recent years, establishing its presence in various countries. The products manufactured by the company bear the distinctive ENEOS brand.

The corporate trajectory of Eneos Holding involves the merger of two Japanese entities, JX Holding and Tonen General, culminating in the formation of JXTG in April 2017. Subsequently, on June 25, 2020, JXTG underwent a transformative name change to Eneos Holdings, with its subsidiary, JXTG Nippon Oil & Energy, following suit and adopting the name Eneos.

The planned maintenance shutdown of butadiene production at the Kawasaki Line underscores Eneos' commitment to ensuring the efficient and reliable operation of its facilities. This strategic approach to maintenance aligns with industry standards, providing an avenue for optimizing production processes and enhancing overall operational efficiency. As a pivotal participant in the petrochemical landscape, Eneos continues to navigate the challenges and demands of the industry, steadfast in its commitment to upholding the highest standards of safety, reliability, and sustainability. The company's proactive measures in maintenance reflect its dedication to delivering quality products while prioritizing the well-being of its operations and the broader environment.