Japan’s largest naphtha cracker operator, Mitsubishi Chemical (MCC), is targeting to restart its 375,000 tonne/year No.1 cracker in Kashima, Ibaraki prefecture, by the end of the week. The No.1 cracker was shut for a scheduled turnaround on 7 May and was initially slated to resume operations by 26 June. The official declined to comment on the reason for the delay. He added that a planned maintenance shutdown at its 453,000 tonne/year No.2 cracker at the same site would be postponed until after the No 1 cracker is restarted. The No.2 cracker, which is running at 100% of capacity, was initially slated to be taken off line from 28 June to 15 August. The cracker has an ethylene nameplate capacity of 476,000 tonnes/year but a fire in December 2007 severely damaged its eighth furnace and production was now capped at 453,000 tonnes/year. Mitsubishi’s 450,000 tonne/year cracker in Mizushima, Okayama prefecture, is currently undergoing scheduled maintenance from 13 May to 6 July.