Ciech and PKN Orlen to build new chemical pipeline?

Ciech and PKN Orlen are conducting talks about the construction of an ethylene pipeline to Petrochemia Blachownia, which would also be part of a European pipeline system. According to preliminary estimates the investment would cost at least zl. 500 million. Both companies must first acquire sources for financing the project, probably from EU funds. "Neither Orlen nor Ciech are able to finance the investment on their own," said an an onymous representative of PKN Orlen. The funds could be acquired if the new pipeline would be connected to the European system. The informer said that at present an ethylene pipeline was being constructed from the Mider r efinery near Bohlen in Germany to Stade outside Hamburg. If Orlen's pipeline was connected to this one, then there would only be a need for a 200 k ilometers connection to Petrochemia Blachownia. Other chemical companies would also benefit from this plan, as at present they have to import huge quantities of raw materials, particularly ethylene and propylene. However, a conflict has begun between Orlen and Ciech, as PKN wanted to produce more ethylene in its Anwil subsidiary, while the chemical concern wanted to place it in its company structure. (Puls Biznesu, pp. 1, 3) M.M.