Ninh Binh Nitrogenous Fertiliser Plant: Milestone of Fertiliser Industry

On May 10, 2008, Vietnam National Chemical Group (Vinachem) held a ceremony to embark on the construction of Ninh Binh Nitrogenous Fertiliser Plant. After 45 months of construction, at 4:15 p.m. on March 30, 2012, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung pressed the button to start the production system to turn out the first tonne of urea fertiliser, an event marking the efforts and success of the Vietnam National Chemical Group in general and the Ninh Binh Fertiliser Plant Project Management Unit in particular. This was an important moment to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of Ninh Binh province re-establishment. The plant officially launched the first commercial product branded “Dam Ninh Binh" (Ninh Binh nitrogenous fertiliser).

 

Nguyen Van Thieu, Deputy Director of Ninh Binh Fertiliser Co., Ltd, said: This project is large in both capacity and total investment. Selected lines use modern advanced technologies powered by patented equipment imported from European countries like Dutch Shell coal gasification technology (suitable for anthracite coal in Vietnam), German Linder gas purification technology, Danish Topsoe ammonia synthesis technology, Italian Snamprogetti urea synthesis technology, and French Air Liquid gas and air separation technology. The total investment for the project was US$667 million. A Chinese EPC contractor is responsible for all activities related to design, technology transfer, supply and installation, commissioning, personnel training and operational support. The project used over 400 equipment suppliers in Europe, the US, Japan, India and China, and six technology transfer companies. During peak times, the construction site had 17 contractors and construction supervisors.

 

Quality management is a top priority of Vinachem Group and Ninh Binh Fertilizer Co., Ltd. Design examination, evaluation and approval were kept in line with technical standards and norms and basic designs of the EPC contractor. Manufactured equipment and constructed and installed items met Vietnamese and international design requirements and standards. All items commissioned were certified quality compliant by DNV Group, Norway. The company also paid high attention to foreign personnel management and security. The company hired 5 hectares of land in Khanh Phu Industrial Park to build houses for specialists, workers and security staff.

 

The company employed 970 engineers and workers. Employees were trained in three levels: At technological patent transferors, at similar plants in the country, and at the project. They are now doing their jobs well under the instruction of experts.

 

When the plant goes into full operation, it will meet 25 per cent of the country's demand for urea fertiliser, helping the nation cut US$250 million in imported urea. Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung noted at his address to start the production system that the success of Ninh Binh fertiliser plant project is a milestone for the fertiliser industry as it closes the long era of importing urea fertiliser. Besides, it creates stable jobs for 1,000 workers. With an annual output of 560,000 tonnes, the plant together with Phu My fertiliser plant, Ca Mau fertilizer plant and Ha Bac fertilizer plant, will meet the country's demand for urea nitrogenous fertilisers and help Vietnam have a stable source of fertilisers and better contribute to national food security.