Advario, Braskem Idesa Inaugurate Ethane Terminal in Veracruz

Advario and Braskem Idesa inaugurated a US$500 million ethane import terminal in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, marking the completion of a key infrastructure project aimed at securing long-term feedstock supply for Mexico’s petrochemical sector.

The facility, Terminal Química Puerto México (TQPM), is a 50-50 joint venture between the two companies and is designed to support the operations of the Braskem Idesa Petrochemical Complex. Construction began in 2022 and concluded in May 2025. The project generated over 2,000 jobs during its construction phase.

The terminal includes two cryogenic tanks with a total capacity of 100,000 m3, a dedicated jetty, and pipelines for the import, storage and transfer of ethane. Its total storage capacity of 54,000t will allow Braskem Idesa to maintain a stable supply of ethane and operate at full production capacity.

The Braskem Idesa facility produces up to 1.05Mt of polyethylene annually, including 750,000t of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and 300,000t of low-density polyethylene (LDPE). With the terminal operational, the company expects to expand its output by up to 25%.

TQPM is located within the Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec (CIIT), a federal development initiative aimed at boosting economic growth in southern Mexico. According to Cleantho Leite, CEO, TQPM, the project is the first private industrial investment within the corridor’s area of influence and included community engagement efforts such as local education and health programs, along with environmental preservation activities.

Advario CEO, Bas Verkooijen, highlighted the project as part of the company’s global expansion strategy in chemical storage and logistics. Isabel Figueiredo, CEO, Braskem Idesa, said the facility strengthens the company’s ability to diversify raw material sources and aligns with the Mexican government’s goal of petrochemical self-sufficiency.

To support logistics, Braskem Group has acquired two ethane carriers, the Brilliant Future and Brave Future. Each vessel is 188m long, with a 36,000m3 capacity and lower carbon emissions compared to industry averages. These ships will transport ethane from Texas to Veracruz.

Ernesto Pérez Astorga, Veracruz’s Minister of Economic Development, called the terminal’s opening a milestone for the region, emphasizing the potential of public-private collaboration in driving long-term industrial development.