Fluor Achieves Mechanical Completion on BASF’s Landmark Zhanjiang Verbund Project in China
Fluor Corporation (NYSE: FLR) has announced the successful mechanical completion of BASF’s Zhanjiang Verbund project in China, marking a major milestone in one of the most significant chemical investments ever undertaken by BASF. The project represents BASF’s largest single investment to date and stands as a testament to Fluor’s capabilities in delivering complex, world-class industrial facilities safely and efficiently.The achievement was completed with an exceptional safety record, totaling more than 75 million work hours without a Lost Time Injury, underscoring Fluor’s strong commitment to safety excellence and disciplined project execution.
This milestone highlights Fluor’s commitment to safe and quality execution on complex, world-class chemical projects,” said Pierre Bechelany, Business Group President of Energy Solutions at Fluor. “I commend our teams and partners for their disciplined delivery and exceptional performance. We are honored to support BASF’s strategic growth in China through this landmark Verbund site project.”
Comprehensive Engineering and Construction Scope
Fluor played a critical role in supporting BASF’s integrated operations by providing extensive engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services across a wide range of essential facilities and infrastructure. Key components of the project included:
- An EOEG (ethylene oxide / ethylene glycol) process unit
- A 220kV electrical substation
- Steam generation and utility plants
- Advanced water treatment systems and seawater intake facilities
- Distributed cooling tower networks
- Wastewater treatment and waste handling units
- Container yards and automated warehouse systems
- Comprehensive site-wide piping, logistics, and infrastructure networks
These systems form the backbone of BASF’s highly integrated Verbund concept, enabling efficient resource utilization, energy optimization, and sustainable production practices.
A Milestone Built on Partnership and Performance
According to Charles McManemin, President of Fluor’s Chemicals business, the completion of the project represents years of close collaboration and technical excellence.
Delivering the project is a tremendous achievement and a proud moment for our team,” McManemin said. “Our long-standing partnership with BASF is built on trust, technical expertise, and a shared commitment to safe and reliable project execution. This milestone reflects years of collaboration, innovation, and disciplined performance across every phase of work.”
Fluor began early site development activities in late 2021, with construction progressing across multiple areas simultaneously. At peak activity, approximately 13,000 workers were engaged on the site, highlighting the scale and complexity of the project.
A Strategic Hub for Sustainable Chemical Production
Once fully operational, the Zhanjiang Verbund Site will become BASF’s third-largest Verbund complex worldwide, following Ludwigshafen in Germany and Antwerp in Belgium. The facility is designed to serve as a model for sustainable chemical production, both in China and globally.
The site will primarily supply customers within China, the world’s largest and fastest-growing chemical market, reinforcing BASF’s long-term commitment to the region. By integrating production processes and infrastructure, the Zhanjiang Verbund site aims to enhance efficiency, reduce emissions, and support BASF’s sustainability goals.
The successful mechanical completion of this project further strengthens Fluor’s reputation as a trusted partner for delivering large-scale, technically complex chemical and energy infrastructure projects worldwide.
About Fluor Corporation
Fluor Corporation (NYSE: FLR) is building a better world by applying world-class expertise to solve its clients’ greatest challenges. Fluor’s nearly 27,000 employees provide professional and technical solutions that deliver safe, well-executed, capital-efficient projects to clients around the world. Fluor had revenue of $16.3 billion in 2024 and is ranked 257 among the Fortune 500 companies. With headquarters in Irving, Texas, Fluor has provided engineering, procurement, construction and maintenance services for more than a century.
