Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical Pauses LDPE Manufacturing for Maintenance in 2024

Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical, a prominent subsidiary of Sinopec, a global giant in the energy and chemical sector, has outlined plans to temporarily cease production on lines No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 dedicated to the manufacturing of high-density polyethylene (LDPE) in Shanghai, China. This temporary shutdown is scheduled for the third and fourth quarters of 2024, specifically impacting Line No. 1 and No. 2 from August 15 to September 25, 2024, and Line No. 3 from November 1 to December 12, 2024, all for routine maintenance purposes.

Line No. 1 and No. 2, each boasting a capacity of 45 thousand tons of LDPE per year, will undergo the scheduled maintenance during the specified period. Concurrently, Line No. 3, with a larger capacity of 120 thousand tons per year, will also be temporarily shut down to facilitate necessary maintenance procedures. These planned shutdowns reflect the company's commitment to ensuring the efficiency and reliability of its production lines, a standard practice in the industry to maintain operational excellence.

This announcement follows a recent report indicating that Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical had successfully resumed production on Lines No. 1 and No. 2 after completing scheduled repairs. The maintenance activities involved the temporary closure of Line No. 1, with a yearly LDPE capacity of 45,000 tons, starting on October 2. Additionally, Line No. 2, boasting a capacity of 25,210 tons per year, underwent scheduled repairs and was temporarily offline from September 26, 2023. These maintenance efforts were part of the company's proactive approach to equipment upkeep, ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of its production facilities.

The cumulative LDPE production capacity of the three lines operated by Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical in Shanghai amounts to a substantial 202,000 tons per year. Additionally, the company manages high-density polyethylene (HDPE) production at the same facility, contributing to a combined HDPE capacity of 2,000 tons per year. This underlines the diversified production capabilities of the company, positioning it as a significant player in the petrochemical industry.

Sinopec, officially known as China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation, stands as one of the largest integrated energy and chemical conglomerates globally. The breadth of Sinopec Corp.'s operations encompasses oil and gas exploration, production, and transportation, along with activities in oil refining, petrochemical production, and the manufacturing of mineral fertilizers and other chemical products. Globally, Sinopec Corp. ranks second in refining capacity and holds the fourth position in terms of ethylene capacity, solidifying its position as a key player in the energy and chemical sectors.

The decision to undertake scheduled maintenance on specific LDPE production lines in Shanghai aligns with industry best practices, ensuring that the facilities remain in optimal condition for sustained production efficiency. The temporary shutdowns provide an opportunity for thorough inspection, maintenance, and upgrades as necessary, contributing to the long-term reliability and safety of the production infrastructure.