The technology company The Linde Group announced that it has entered into an Enterprise Framework Agreement (EFA) with Shell Global Solutions International B. V. to build ethane cracking units on a global basis. The EFA is for ten years, with an option to be extended.

The EFA covers the licensing, engineering, procurement and construction services, as well as for the supply of proprietary equipment of ethane cracking units. Linde understands that the EFA contract is a renewed opportunity to build upon their long-time relationship with Shell.

With its outstanding ethylene technology and project execution excellence, Linde is committed in contributing to the expansion of Shell's global petrochemical market. To benefit Shell and its partners, Linde intends to deliver major cost savings for ethane cracking units from standardization and repeatability effects.

As a first step in the EFA Linde was awarded the contract for the licensing and basic engineering design package for a potential world scale ethane cracker unit.

About The Linde Group

In the 2013 financial year, The Linde Group generated revenue of EUR 16.655 bn, making it the largest gases and engineering company in the world with approximately 63,500 employees working in more than 100 countries worldwide. The strategy of The Linde Group is geared towards long-term profitable growth and focuses on the expansion of its international business with forward-looking products and services. Linde acts responsibly towards its shareholders, business partners, employees, society and the environment – in every one of its business areas, regions and locations across the globe. The company is committed to technologies and products that unite the goals of customer value and sustainable development.