Air Liquide is further expanding its footprint in Brazil, establishing a new licensing agreement with Petróleo Brasileiro (Petrobras) in conjunction with its recently awarded contract to Foster Wheeler for a world-scale grassroots gas-to-chemicals complex in Linhares, Espirito Santo State, South-East Brazil, called Complexo Gás-Químico.

Air Liquide is the licensor for the Integrated Unit -- the complex's largest and most integral unit -- which will produce syngas, methanol, ammonia, power and steam. Air Liquide will also furnish fully integrated Basic Engineering Design (BED) and Engineering Services during the execution of the Front End Engineering Design (FEED) as well as technical assistance during the Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) phase through start-up of the complex. The BED/FEED phase is scheduled for completion at the end of 2013.

The complex is expected to produce in excess of one million tons per year of ammonia and urea fertilizers, methanol, acetic acid, plus formic acid and melamine, helping to reduce Brazil's imports of these products.

Air Liquide has been present in Brazil for more than 65 years and continues to expand its investments in the region. Among its investments there, Air Liquide Brazil recently announced contracts with major regional firms: Coca-Cola bottler FEMSA and Suzano Papel e Celulose, investing nearly $90 million (€70 million) to develop the two projects.