PP Line IV Progress
Since the groundbreaking ceremony for the new HMC PP Plant Line IV held on February 27, 2020 at the HMC Polymers Map Ta Phut site, planning and site preparation is now well underway. The new HMC PP Line IV will have an annual capacity of 250 KT, bringing HMC’s total PP capacity of 4 production lines to over 1,000 KT, maintaining the company's position as SE Asia’s largest PP producer.
PROJECT UPDATE
Engineering
Engineering progress achieved is over 75% completed and we are ahead of plan up to the end of June 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on PP4 project staff both with the Owner (HMC) and Contractor. The HAZOP package has been reviewed with the contractor and vendors. Due to COVID-19, the imposed travel restrictions have had a significant impact and as a result, the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) participation is planned for commencement in October in Korea, Japan and European countries instead of Thailand.
Procurement
Procurement progress achievement to date is around 60%. This is slightly behind schedule and may result in a delay of the Kickoff meeting and clarifying sessions with the vendor. The pandemic has caused vendor submission to be delayed and their manufacturing schedule could be affected, especially the delivery of equipment and systems which are impacting the project completion date.
Construction
Despite difficulties during the pandemic, our construction progress is ahead of plan up to the end of June 2020. COVID-19 protection continues to be implemented and closely monitored. The temporary office facilities have been completed including communication facilities and furniture. HMC and Contractor have already moved into the temporary site office. The contractor’s manpower could not completely dispatch to the site as planned because foreign workers are currently restricted on entering Thailand per the Thailand Government order.
HMC is, however, monitoring these delays closely to ensure they will have as little impact as possible on our master plan. The PP Line IV using the latest version of the leading Spherizone Technology, will be the most advanced PP plant ever built, incorporating unique capabilities to support HMC in our mission to significantly expand PP product performance and provide customers with an increasingly differentiated portfolio of products.