The Saipem Clough Joint Venture (SCJV) has reached a major milestone in the construction of Australia’s largest urea plant with the arrival of the first shipment of modules in Karratha, Western Australia.
Fabricated at the project’s modular facility in Chennai, India, the modules are essential to the cutting-edge plant, which will have a production capacity of 2.3 million metric tons per annum (MMTPA), making it one of the world’s largest.
SCJV is overseeing the fabrication and supply of over 100 process and pipe rack modules, totaling approximately 62,000 tonnes. The largest module measures 16m wide, 42m long, and 33m high, while the heaviest weighs 2,700Mt. Once assembled, these components will create an integrated process system for urea production.
Fabrication is progressing rapidly, with 91 modules in production and 77 undergoing structural steel erection. The construction timeline varies between 8 to 12 months per module, depending on size and complexity. To date, five pipe rack modules have been dispatched, with 108 more scheduled for delivery over the next year.
The Perdaman Industries Urea Plant, developed under a 50/50 joint venture between Clough and Saipem, will generate 2,000 jobs during construction and 200 permanent roles upon completion. A key focus remains engaging Indigenous and local communities through employment, training, and business opportunities.
