June 10, 2024 [Storage Terminals Magazine]- JGC Holdings Corporation’s representative director, chairman and CEO, Masayuki Sato, announced that JGC Corporation, under the leadership of representative director and president Farhan Mujib, will introduce verified 3D printing technology at the Zuluf AH Oil Increment Central Processing Facilities in Saudi Arabia. JGC Corporation manages the overseas engineering, procurement, and construction business for the JGC Group.

Aramco, one of the world’s largest integrated energy and chemicals companies, aims to support energy security and affordability while promoting sustainable practices in all its operations and projects. The incorporation of 3D printing technology aligns with Aramco’s objectives by reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing, lowering waste and energy usage, and improving construction productivity.

Since October 2021, JGC has been verifying the application of a gantry-style concrete construction 3D printer, purchased from COBOD International A/S of Denmark, for the piping support structures (foundation formwork) of a biomass power generation project in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture. This project is executed by JGC Japan Corporation, the domestic EPC company of the JGC Group.

This initiative has garnered significant attention from various clients. Following discussions with Aramco, JGC received an order to introduce a 3D printer to print the exterior wall, approximately 340 square metres, of chemical storage buildings. This is part of Aramco’s Zuluf AH Oil Increment Central Processing Facilities project, for which JGC was awarded the contract in May 2022. By transitioning to on-site 3D printing instead of using on-site precast formwork, JGC aims to establish a new approach to overseas printing work. The company is collaborating with local partners in Saudi Arabia, including one that owns COBOD’s large-scale 3D printer, with plans to commence 3D printing work in the summer of 2024.

JGC will continue to actively promote the integration of advanced technology in plant construction projects across the Group’s companies. The goal is to adopt 3D printing technology during the construction phase to enhance efficiency and address the issue of construction labour shortages.