Strengthening our position in a fast-growing sector
The world’s demand for data has never been greater. Every click, upload and AI query relies on secure, resilient infrastructure operating continuously behind the scenes. As this demand accelerates, so does the need for contractors capable of delivering mission critical facilities that meet the highest standards of safety, reliability and technical performance.
With two new data centre contracts recently awarded and several delivered in the last few years, BESIX continues to strengthen its position in the fast-growing digital infrastructure sector. Yet the true measure of expertise in this field lies not in individual project wins, but in the depth of technical maturity, engineering rigour and disciplined execution required to deliver complex, fast track data centre projects in highly controlled environments.
Engineering excellence for mission critical infrastructure
Designing and constructing a data centre is fundamentally different from delivering a conventional industrial building. While the physical structure provides the necessary envelope, it must also protect the mission critical systems in it. Power distribution, redundancy architectures, cooling strategies, controls and monitoring systems ultimately define performance, resilience and long-term value. Every design and construction decision must therefore be taken with a systems first mindset, recognising the complex interdependencies between electrical, mechanical, digital and structural components.
For contractors, this reality demands deep fluency in high density electrical installations, backup generation, uninterruptible power supply architectures and advanced cooling solutions, as well as a clear understanding of how these systems behave under both normal and failure conditions. The mission critical MEP integration is not a specialist add on; it is central to delivering data centres that operate reliably, efficiently and safely from day one.
BESIX brings a distinctive advantage to this landscape. Its teams combine advanced BIM modelling, design optimisation and digital documentation with strong civil, structural and project management & project control expertise. This integrated approach allows the company to coordinate complex systems with precision, anticipate interface risks early and plan each phase with the client’s operational priorities and security constraints firmly in mind.
“Our commitment to delivering technologically advanced infrastructure is reinforced by our collaborative approach with partners and clients, and by the engineering, BIM and international project management experience of our teams” – Mark Beyst, General Manager BESIX Belgium-Luxembourg
Fast track delivery with uncompromised quality
Fast track data centre construction often unfolds within extremely compressed timelines. Delivering large, technically complex facilities in only a few months requires agility, precision and the ability to mobilise resources quickly and efficiently. However, in mission critical environments, speed alone is not a measure of success.
Quality in data centre delivery is an industrial discipline embedded throughout the project lifecycle. From early design coordination to final commissioning and soft landings with the operator, contractors must be comfortable working with rigorous inspection and test plans, factory and site acceptance testing, integrated systems testing and full traceability of critical components. This disciplined approach mitigates operational risk and ensures that accelerated schedules do not compromise long term reliability.
Fast track delivery also requires absolute control of programme of the entire supply chain and phasing under live or partially energised conditions. Early energisation, phased handovers and parallel workstreams must be managed without losing control of safety, quality or system integrity. BESIX applies mature planning methodologies and robust supply chain coordination to navigate these constraints, enabling informed decision making when changes inevitably arise, while maintaining full oversight of operational interfaces.
Safety in high energy environments
Data centres concentrate significant electrical power, stored energy and heavy equipment within confined and highly controlled spaces. As a result, traditional construction safety practices must be complemented by procedures specifically designed for high energy environments.
BESIX implements robust protocols for high voltage works, testing under load and close coordination between construction and operations teams. This safety culture evolves in line with technical complexity, ensuring that personnel, assets and live systems are protected throughout the delivery process.
Early Contractor Involvement as a strategic advantage
For highly technical and fast-track projects, success begins long before construction begins. Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) brings clients, designers, engineers, constructors and mission critical subcontractors together from the earliest design phases, allowing cost and schedule risks to be anticipated and addressed proactively while aligning on safety and quality at the same moment
Data centre clients are technically sophisticated and closely involved throughout the delivery process. They expect contractors who can communicate with clarity, manage technical data with the same rigour as physical works, and operate with full transparency. By engaging early, BESIX helps align design intent, constructability, commissioning strategies and operational requirements from day one. This collaborative mindset supports disciplined change management, optimised schedules and greater certainty, not only about the final outcome, but about the path to achieving it.
A global network of expertise
BESIX teams have accumulated extensive experience in the design and construction of next generation data centres across the globe. Its engineers understand the specific constraints of building in live, secure and highly regulated environments, working closely with multiple critical stakeholders to deliver consistent, predictable results. The Group’s cultural agility and expertise has proved its value here as well and has been key to the successful outcomes of several projects.
“Delivering next generation data centres requires high performing teams capable of collaborating with critical stakeholders in dynamic, secure and live environments. Our teams have consistently demonstrated this expertise and are well positioned to meet the growing demand for data infrastructure worldwide.” – Mark Baker, CEO BESIX Watpac
Shaping the future of data infrastructure
As global data flows intensify, the success of data centre projects will increasingly depend on contractor maturity rather than sheer capacity. The ability to integrate complex systems, manage quality as an industrial process, control delivery under live conditions and collaborate transparently with demanding operators is what separates predictable outcomes from costly failures.
“We do not simply build data centres; we deliver resilient digital foundations designed, tested and handed over to perform reliably for decades. It is this culture of precision, partnership and engineering excellence that defines our role in shaping the future of digital infrastructure.” – Jan Van Steirteghem, COO BESIX Construction