Long Son Petrochemicals (LSP) of Vietnam has reportedly awarded Technip Energies a contract to convert its existing naphtha-fed steam cracker to ethane feedstock. Technip Energies is reported to provide engineering and procurement services, site assistance, and supply of patented burners for the cracking furnaces.
Long Son Petrochemicals is a large petrochemical complex located in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province in southern Vietnam, which has reportedly operated a naphtha-fed steam cracker. This project involves converting that cracker’s feedstock from naphtha to ethane, applying Technip Energies’ proprietary Ultra Selective Conversion (USC) furnace design and Heat-Integrated Rectifier System (HIRS), both aimed at improving ethylene selectivity, energy efficiency, and ethylene recovery following the feedstock switch.
The contract was announced on April 9, 2026. Technip Energies’ scope is reported to consist of Engineering & Procurement services, site assistance, and supply of patented burners for the cracking furnaces. The contract value has not been disclosed.
Converting cracker feedstock from naphtha to ethane is regarded as a common approach to upgrading crackers, simultaneously targeting feedstock cost reduction and improved ethylene yield. This project is cited as an example of feedstock diversification trends among petrochemical facilities in Southeast Asia.
Implications for Korea’s Industry
As Korea’s petrochemical industry continues to review feedstock diversification to secure cost competitiveness, it is reported that reference to competing Southeast Asian facilities’ ethane cracker conversions would be worthwhile.
The completion timeline for the feedstock conversion and any resulting change in ethylene production capacity following the conversion are cited as key points to watch.