The Oxagon Project is strategically placed at the crossroads of vital maritime routes and close to the borders with Jordan and Egypt, along the Red Sea coast. The project’s main purpose is to modernise and expand the port's infrastructure.
Challenges
The project involves upgrading the port to handle various ship sizes, which includes deepening access channels, expanding the harbour, constructing quay walls, and enhancing facilities with state-of-the-art equipment and rail infrastructure. These tasks require tailored solutions, and BESIX, along with partners Boskalis and MBL, is addressing logistical challenges and sourcing skilled professionals.
A key element of the project is its innovative construction technique using sheet piles and H-beams (King Piles) to form a robust combi-wall. This method ensures stability for the quay walls. Due to diverse soil conditions, the team employs advanced geotechnical solutions, replacing weak soil with stronger materials, allowing the installation of 75 to 100 meters of combi wall monthly.
Current operations and next milestones
At Terminal 1, efforts are underway to reach the 550-metre milestone by October, the total length of the quay wall being 990 metres. Tasks include constructing the main combi-wall, installing tie rods and bored piles, and reinforcing the capping beam, with July focused on capping beam preparations.
In the Marine Services Hub, the team is casting capping beams weekly, aiming for completion by year-end, with the first concrete pours scheduled for early July. The LEAN methodology is being used to remain on track.
At the Marine Services Berth, the team is installing anchor and main wall sheet piles, set to begin excavation and tie rod installation in July.
At the North Access Wall, a revised methodology addresses challenging conditions like hard soil and sea exposure. This phase will start in July using two combi-float barges for predrilling and piling.
Balancing ambition and sustainability
Sustainability is central to Oxagon. The project emphasises eco-friendly materials, energy efficiency, and innovative practices to minimise environmental impact. Sheet piles made with renewable energy cut CO2 emissions, and 41,000 tons of 'green' steel will be used. Additionally, half a million rocks from blasting operations will be repurposed locally.
Targeted sustainable features
- 25 % sustainable procurement
- 25 % recycled/reused materials
- 100 % local sourcing or reuse of fill and excavated materials within a 40-km radius
- 75 % diversion of construction waste from landfills
- 30 % reduction in net embodied carbon, surpassing environmental standards
Diversity and unity
At its peak, the Oxagon Project involves around one thousand professionals from diverse countries including Egypt, South Africa, Romania, India, Pakistan, Sudan, and the Philippines. A strong team spirit is fostered through careful selection and deployment.
This collaborative and innovative spirit is key to the Oxagon Project's success, setting the stage for a modern, efficient, and sustainable port.