Sipchem halts IMC operations for 17-day maintenance to ensure reliability, prevent disruptions, and support future production plans.
Sahara International Petrochemical Company (Sipchem) has temporarily halted operations at its International Methanol Company (IMC) facility starting September 21 to carry out scheduled maintenance activities. This periodic shutdown is part of the company’s routine preventive and operational upkeep practices, aimed at ensuring long-term plant reliability and efficiency. According to a filing submitted to Tadawul, the maintenance program is expected to continue for approximately 17 days.
The company highlighted that the financial implications of the shutdown will be contingent upon the actual duration of the maintenance activities and prevailing methanol sales prices during this period. Any resulting impact on revenue and profits will be reflected in the company’s third- and fourth-quarter financial results. Sipchem emphasized that it has taken all necessary measures to prevent any interruptions to customer deliveries and contractual obligations, ensuring that client commitments remain unaffected throughout the maintenance period.
This scheduled turnaround is expected to enhance the operational stability and reliability of the IMC plant, supporting future production plans and long-term business objectives. Sipchem’s proactive approach to preventive maintenance aligns with industry best practices, minimizing the risk of unplanned outages and ensuring the plant operates at optimal performance levels once operations resume. The company has assured stakeholders that it will provide timely updates on the progress and completion of the maintenance work.
Ownership of IMC is shared between Sipchem and Japan Arabia Methanol Company (JSMC), with Sipchem holding a majority stake of 65% and JSMC controlling the remaining 35%. The collaboration between the partners ensures that strategic and operational decisions, such as planned turnarounds, are executed smoothly and in line with mutual business objectives.
Overall, this maintenance initiative demonstrates Sipchem’s commitment to operational excellence, client satisfaction, and sustainable growth in the petrochemical sector. By carefully planning and executing such maintenance programs, the company reinforces its reputation as a reliable methanol producer in the region while safeguarding long-term shareholder value. Further announcements regarding the maintenance progress or updates on the plant’s operational status will be made as appropriate.
