DEME has secured a large contract for the Abu Qir port project in Egypt. The project will see the deployment of DEME’s giant new cutter suction dredger ‘Spartacus’, the company said in its release.
This vast project includes the reclamation of 1,000 hectares of new land, the deepening of the port’s approach channel to 23 m and the dredging of a turning basin to 22 m. An enormous volume of more than 150 million m³ will be dredged.
The marine works, including 6,800 m of quay walls for new berths, 8,800 m of breakwaters and soil improvement works, will be executed by DEME’s consortium partner GIECO, Egypt’s leading marine engineering company.
This ambitious megaproject creates land for the expansion and further development of Abu Qir, which boasts an ancient history and is slated to become a bustling economic hub, supplementing nearby Alexandria. Alongside this, a large multifunctional port facility can be developed adjacent to the Abu Qir Container Terminal, which is currently under construction.
DEME will deploy the world’s most powerful cutter suction dredger (CSD) ‘Spartacus’ on the project. This game-changing vessel will join DEME’s fleet in 2021. With a total installed power of 44,180 kW, this CSD is unrivalled in terms of production rates, pumping power and her ability to cut hard material. In addition to ‘Spartacus’, DEME will deploy a wide range of different sized trailing suction hopper dredgers.
The project’s preparation has already started, with the main works set to commence in early 2021. The project is due for completion in 2023.
The unmatched technical capabilities and power of ‘Spartacus’ in combination with DEME’s versatile fleet, featuring the latest technology, were key factors in securing this important contract. In addition, DEME has built an excellent reputation, strong local footprint and long-term track record in Egypt, which includes its participation in the iconic Suez Canal widening and deepening project (2015).
Crucially, DEME’s engineering capabilities enabled the company to develop the most cost-efficient approach for the execution of the project. The solution DEME provides carefully manages the many interfaces of this complex and multi-faceted project.
About DEME Group
DEME is a world leader in the highly specialised fields of dredging, solutions for the offshore energy market, environmental and infra marine works. The company can build on more than 140 years of know-how and experience is a front runner in innovation and new technologies.
DEME’s vision is to work towards a sustainable future by offering solutions for global challenges: a rising sea level, a growing population, reduction of CO2 emissions, polluted rivers, seas and soils and the scarcity of natural resources.
While the company’s roots are in Belgium, DEME has built a strong presence in all of the world’s seas and continents, operating in more than 90 countries worldwide. DEME can rely on 5,200 highly skilled professionals across the globe. With a versatile and modern fleet of over 100 vessels, backed by a broad range of auxiliary equipment, the company can provide solutions for even the most complex projects.
DEME achieved a turnover of 2.62 billion euros in 2019.