75 million work hours without lost-time injury mark major milestone in BASF’s largest global investment
Zhanjiang, China | March 2026-Fluor Corporation (NYSE: FLR) has announced the successful mechanical completion of BASF’s Zhanjiang Verbund Site project in South China, marking a significant milestone in BASF’s largest investment to date.
The achievement was delivered with an exceptional safety performance, recording more than 75 million work hours without a Lost Time Injury (LTI) — a benchmark underscoring disciplined project execution across one of the world’s most complex chemical construction initiatives.
Large-Scale Integrated Chemical Complex
Fluor provided engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) support for BASF’s integrated operations at the site. The scope of work included critical infrastructure and production facilities such as:
- An EOEG (ethylene oxide/ethylene glycol) process unit
- 220kV substation
- Steam plant and distributed cooling towers
- Water treatment and wastewater treatment systems
- Seawater intake facilities
- Waste handling units
- Container yard and automated warehouses
- Site-wide piping and logistics infrastructure
Early site work commenced in late 2021. At peak construction, approximately 13,000 workers were deployed across multiple work zones.
Strategic Importance for BASF
Once fully operational, the Zhanjiang Verbund Site will become BASF’s third-largest Verbund site globally, following its flagship complexes in:
- Ludwigshafen
- Antwerp
The facility is designed to primarily serve customers in China, the world’s largest and fastest-growing chemical market. It is also positioned as a model for sustainable chemical production, integrating energy efficiency, resource optimisation and advanced process technologies.
Executive Commentary
Pierre Bechelany, Fluor’s Business Group President of Energy Solutions, highlighted the milestone as a testament to safe and high-quality execution on world-class chemical projects.
Charles McManemin, President of Fluor’s Chemicals business, described the completion as a reflection of long-standing collaboration, technical excellence and disciplined performance between Fluor and BASF.
Strengthening Fluor’s Global Chemicals Portfolio
The successful delivery reinforces Fluor’s credentials in executing mega-scale chemical and industrial projects, particularly in high-growth Asian markets. The project also demonstrates the company’s capacity to manage complex, integrated industrial ecosystems while maintaining stringent safety standards.
Headquartered in Irving, Texas, Fluor reported $16.3 billion in revenue in 2024 and employs nearly 27,000 professionals globally.
