It is reported that Pengerang Energy Complex (PEC), a project developed by Singapore’s ChemOne Group in Malaysia, announced on June 9, 2026 that it had selected China National Chemical Engineering Co Ltd (CNCEC) as its EPCC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Commissioning) contractor. This decision is reported to replace the previous contractor, Italy’s Maire SpA, marking a new phase for the large-scale petrochemical project, which is reported to carry a total investment of US$5.32 billion.
PEC is a large-scale petrochemical complex being developed in the Pengerang area of Malaysia, with Pengerang Energy Complex Sdn Bhd as the owner and Singapore’s ChemOne Group leading the development, according to reports. Honeywell UOP technology is reported to be included in the process design, though the specific unit processes to which the technology applies have not been disclosed. Following this change of EPCC contractor, CNCEC is reported to take charge of the entire engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning process going forward.
The project’s total investment is reported at US$5.32 billion. Production capacity is planned at 2.7 million tons per year of aromatics, 3.9 million tons per year of petroleum products, and 50,000 tons per year of hydrogen, according to reports.
The replacement of the EPCC contractor for a large-scale aromatics and petroleum products complex is cited as a reference case illustrating how the cost and schedule competitiveness of Chinese engineering firms can influence contractor selection in the global petrochemical plant market. Some observers note that this may signal a broader realignment of the EPC contracting landscape in emerging petrochemical markets, including Southeast Asia.