Messer Plans 60M Euro ASU in Belgium
Messer, a German industrial gas producer, is set to invest €60 million in building a new air separation unit (ASU) at the Port of Ghent in Belgium. This facility will produce essential gases like oxygen, nitrogen, and argon for industries such as healthcare, food production, and manufacturing.
Messer has chosen Evergem as the plant's location. The facility will extract gases from the air through a cooling and purification process, supplying industries that rely on these elements for production and preservation.
As the world's largest privately owned industrial gas company, Messer already operates in Belgium but has previously depended on imports from its other European plants. This investment aims to boost local supply efficiency, reduce transportation costs, and support industrial growth.
Messer stated its decision to choose Belgium was due to the country's strategic position and the company's long-term confidence in its industrial sector. This investment is part of Messer's broader expansion in the region, which includes participation in the construction of the Zeebrugge hydrogen plant. The new project is expected to create 30 jobs in Belgium and could eventually double Messer's local production capacity.
However, the plant's approval process might face challenges. A previous permit application was withdrawn due to environmental concerns over water usage. Messer has since redesigned the project, opting for a closed-loop air cooling system instead of canal water. This modification is intended to address concerns about potential PFAS contamination.
This marks Messer's second ASU investment announcement this year. In January, the company unveiled plans for a $70 million ASU investment in Arkansas, USA.
In Belgium, oxygen demand primarily comes from the chemical industry (one of Europe's largest) and steel manufacturing. Both sectors require a stable supply of oxygen and nitrogen.
If approved, the plant is expected to be fully operational by 2035.
-By Zoiun Fluid & Gas 2025-07-18
