The two major petrochemical projects that are currently being built in Alberta took major strides in the first quarter of 2019.

Work at Inter Pipeline’s $3.5-billion Heartland Petrochemical Complex was highlighted by the shipment of four major vessels to the project, including a propane propylene splitter and a polypropylene reactor.

Inter Pipeline said that $232.4 million was invested in project construction during the first quarter, bringing the total capital incurred since sanction in late 2017 to approximately $1.3 billion.

“Additional modules continue to arrive at site as construction on the propane dehydrogenation plant progresses and the piling program for the integrated polypropylene plant is also well underway in advance of the summer construction season,” the company said on Friday.

The Heartland Petrochemical Complex is expected to be completed in late 2021.

During Q1, another major petrochemical project was given the green light by partners Pembina Pipeline and Petrochemical Industries Company K.S.C. of Kuwait.

Their joint venture entity, Canada Kuwait Petrochemical Corporation, is proceeding with a $4.5-billion integrated propane dehydrogenation plant and polypropylene facility, also located in the Edmonton region.

Pembina said earlier this month that the project is now transitioning into the execution phase including obtaining engineering, procurement and construction bids, site clearing activities and the placement of long-lead equipment orders.

The project is expected to be in service in mid-2023.