Mathanex methanol plant completes move to Louisiana

Heavy-lift contractor Mammoet has completed the heavy lifting, transportation, and reassembly preparation of a Methanex Corp. methanol plant, relocating it 5,450 miles from southern Chile to a 225-acre site in Geismar, La. (OGJ Online, Feb. 7. 2012). The Geismar I plant is targeted to be operational by yearend. The project, in which Mammoet worked with Jacobs Engineering, involved the lifting and moving almost 400 heavy components and modules totaling 12,145 tonnes and setting them up for reassembly. Mammoet managed subcontractors, secured the necessary permits, and maintained full oversight over the transport operation for the project's duration. Methanex previously reported plans to relocate two of its methanol plants from Chile to Geismar, a move that provides capital savings and a reduced project timeframe. Photo from Mammoet.