Week of 14 September
1. Final sprint as major opening draws closer (Abu Dhabi)
Every major project reaches a stage where the finish line suddenly comes into view. That is exactly where Guggenheim Abu Dhabi finds itself today. With the opening scheduled before the end of the year, art is in the air. The museum will offer new ways of experiencing beauty with a collection spanning from the 1960s to the present. The project has entered its final and perhaps most demanding phase now, with our teams working across multiple fronts to bring this sculptural building across the line. Big kudos to David and the entire team as they navigate the challenges of this final stretch. The finish line may be getting closer, but the focus and determination remain as strong as ever.
2. Above the clouds (The Netherlands)
More than an unusual sight on the horizon. For months, a large kite regularly caught the eye above the floodplains near the Hagestein Bridge. But this was no ordinary kite. On the A27 Houten-Hooipolder project, our teams partnered with Kitepower to explore how kite technology can turn wind energy into flexible, green electricity for construction sites. The pilot has now come to an end, but the lessons learned are only beginning. By testing new technologies under real construction conditions, we gained valuable insights that contribute to innovations addressing two of today's biggest challenges: reducing CO₂ emissions and tackling increasing grid congestion. A big thank you to all colleagues who contributed to this unique test setup over the past months.
3. A sacred setting for project conversations (Belgium)
Not every project meeting takes place in an ordinary meeting room. This one happened in a church! Recently, our BESIX Site Superintendents gathered in the iconic Oosterweel Church. The discussions covered progress on the Oosterweel link (where we are part of the COTU and ROCO joint ventures a.o.), preparations for winter training, key HSE priorities and practical sustainability actions on site.
On the 3rd photo, you see our colleagues standing in the tunnel under the Scheldt, right where the last closing joint between two tunnel elements was cast in-situ. Bringing colleagues together in this way helps spread knowledge across teams, learn from one another and keep raising the bar in everything we do. Thank you to all participants for their active engagement and commitment.
4. Social dialogue meets construction expertise (Italy)
Construction sites tell one story. The people behind them often tell another. Last week, members of the Selected Committee of the BESIX Group European Works Council travelled to Italy for their annual site visit, exploring projects in Ancona and Valfabbrica while exchanging views with local workers' representatives. The programme also included a visit to the impressive Formedil Perugia training centre, offering a closer look at workforce development in the region. These annual visits play an important role in strengthening social dialogue across the Group, helping colleagues build mutual understanding and maintain open and positive relations with workers representatives across our operations. A sincere thank you to all committee members for their participation and valuable exchanges, and special thanks to Nico De Coninck, Alice De Marchi and Daniele Dolcami for the excellent organisation that helped make the visit a success.
