Good News Early for Steel Tower
On May 1st, the National Power Transmission Corporation (EVNNPT) granted special bonuses to two companies, Dong Anh Steel Tower Manufacturing LLC and Ngai Cau Investment Construction and Trading Joint Stock Company, for completing the first bid package on the supply of steel towers for the 3rd route of the 500kV transmission line project from Quang Trach to Pho Noi.
Ngai Cau Investment Construction and Trading Joint Stock Company (Ngai Cau Company) implemented bid package number 59 of the 500kV Quang Trach – Quynh Luu transmission line project. The bid package consists of 18 towers, equivalent to 1,877 tons of steel. On April 26, 2024, the last truck carrying steel towers from the company arrived at the construction site, 20 days ahead of schedule.
Dong Anh Steel Tower Manufacturing LLC (a member of PC1 Group) is currently implementing bid package number 16 of the Nam Dinh I – Thanh Hoa NMNĐ Project. The bid package comprises 18 towers, equivalent to nearly 1,900 tons of steel. On March 25, 2024, the last truck carrying steel towers from the company arrived at the construction site, surpassing the delivery schedule of the signed contract. The total number of steel towers manufactured by the company is 118, accounting for over 25% of the entire project.
Representatives from both contractors stated that after completing the bid package, the units would continue to deploy bid packages to support other remaining units and were determined to complete the project ahead of the target of May 15, 2024, set by EVNNPT.
To achieve the above progress, the contractors have always been aware of the project’s significance. Therefore, in addition to preparing adequate resources and developing a detailed implementation plan according to schedule, with the support of EVN/EVNNPT, the contractors have also sought additional financial resources, invested, mobilized more machinery, and recruited more workers. They have implemented incentives for staff, workers, and employees to work 24/7, during holidays and days off, to complete production and handover to the construction force as soon as possible.
Mr. Pham Le Phu – General Director of EVNNPT, said that currently, over 80% of the foundation locations on the entire 3rd route of the 500kV transmission line have been completed, and the entire construction site is accelerating construction to complete the foundation locations in the first week of May 2024. Therefore, it is expected that the contractors supplying steel towers will increase their speed to deliver steel towers to the construction site soon.
According to the report of EVNNPT, the 3rd Circuit of the 500 kV Transmission Line Project has 1,177 power transmission towers, corresponding to approximately 139,000 tons of steel, of which 965 towers or 114,000 tons of steel were manufactured domestically, and 212 towers or around 24,000 tons of steel were imported. By the end of April 2024, the enterprises had supplied 357 towers; 820 more towers are expected to be completed on May 20th.
Construction of the 500kV transmission line tower assembly
Numerous Solutions to Overcome Challenges
Despite their tireless efforts, the construction and assembly of towers and accessories for various projects are currently encountering difficulties. According to a survey, the declared total production capacity of domestic companies is approximately 321,000 tons/year, equivalent to 26,750 tons/month, lower than the required capacity for the 3rd route project, which is 32,600 tons/month. Moreover, the companies are also fulfilling orders for other projects. Therefore, the immense demand for steel towers in a short timeframe has caused temporary overload for domestic steel tower manufacturers.
Furthermore, certain large-size and high-strength steel grades (such as SS540) are not adequately supplied domestically, necessitating imports from overseas. Notably, steel pipes must be entirely imported. The importation of raw steel materials from abroad also contributes to delays in the production and supply of steel towers.
Other challenges include harsh weather conditions, such as intense heat and thunderstorms, which can disrupt transportation, construction, assembly, and wire pulling.
In response to the aforementioned challenges, the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, ministries, and sectors have actively intervened and provided guidance, including the production and supply of steel towers. EVN/EVNNPT has proactively developed specific plans and solutions, intensified inspection, supervision, and timely encouragement and reward for steel tower manufacturers and importers, while issuing reminders to contractors who are behind schedule and requesting that steel tower manufacturers increase production lines and work around the clock 24/7.
Providing financial flexibility and resolving financial issues for steel tower contractors to ensure timely access to production capital. Simultaneously, collaborating with contractors to propose to relevant authorities that they continue to facilitate procedures for imported raw steel materials, steel towers, and accessories.
