Wpu (Vitol) Plans to Build a Chemical Recycling Plant for Plastics in Rotterdam

April 10, 2026

Waste Plastic Upcycling (WPU), Vitol’s plastic recycling division, plans to build a chemical recycling plant for end-of-life plastics in the Port of Rotterdam. This plant will have the capacity to process 80,000 tonnes of end-of-life plastics a year. WPU has developed batch pyrolysis technology that will convert these plastics into pyrolysis oil. Pyrolysis oil is a circular feedstock for producing circular chemicals, intermediates, and new plastics. And the plant will use this to convert used plastics into pyrolysis oil. In addition, it can be a substitute for fossil naphtha. WPU has already introduced this technology into its recycling plant. WPU’s plastic recycling plant would be well placed to connect recycled output with existing industrial infrastructure in Rotterdam. The plant will incorporate the furnace technology designed to reduce emissions and lower energy use.  

For the original article, please visit https://www.portofrotterdam.com/en/news-and-press-releases/wpu-vitol-plans-build-chemical-recycling-plant-plastics-rotterdam or scan the QR code below.

10th Smart Port Challenge Expands Support to Scale Maritime Start-Ups: New Programs Connect Start-Ups to Mentors and Investors to Accelerate Growth

April 22, 2026

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and NUS Enterprise, the entrepreneurial arm of the National University of Singapore (NUS), have launched the 10th edition of the PIER71 Smart Port Challenge (SPC) at Singapore Maritime Week 2026 to help startups scale and secure funding. At the launch, representatives from government agencies, NUS, international startups, investors, and industry partners participated, which proved the status of Singapore as a platform for maritime innovation. Since 2018, more than 170 startups have received support from PIER71, collectively raising S$150 million in funding. Building on a decade of developing early-stage start-ups, this year’s SPC introduced two new initiatives to strengthen commercialization and growth. These initiatives will extend PIER71’s roles beyond accelerating growth at an early stage into supporting startups in scaling and making an entry into new markets. 

SPC will expand its global outreach through targeted engagement in key markets, connecting startups with investors and maritime partners while showcasing opportunities in the country’s maritime ecosystem. Applications for SPC 2026 are now open, and this will provide opportunities in four areas: Next-Generation Ports, Smart Shipping, Maritime Green Technologies, and Digitalization. Shortlisted startups will undergo a 10-week training program. And cash prizes will be given to top-performing startups at the SPC 2026 Grand Finale on November 11, 2026. Following the program, startups may apply for MPA’s Maritime Innovation and Technology Fund. MPA and NUS said that they would strengthen support for scaling up and international growth of startups while emphasizing their previous achievements.

For the original article, please visit https://www.mpa.gov.sg/media-centre/details/10th-smart-port-challenge-expands-support-to-scale-maritime-start-ups or scan the QR code below.