Civil construction, particularly bridge installation, represents another key market for Smit.

The Rotterdam based company recently contributed to three new bridge projects in the Netherlands.

The Moerdijk Bridge, between Dordrecht and Breda, crosses the Hollandsch Diep and will form part of the Amsterdam to Paris route. Under the contract, Smit will transport and install 13 bridge sections over three visits. The first three day visit was completed in September, with Smit scheduled to return in February and May of next year.

The scope of the first visit involved the barge transport to the site of five bridge sections, loaded at three fabrication yards in the Netherlands. Each 530 tonnes section measures 46m long by 7m wide and 12m high.

The installation works were performed by three floating sheerlegs, including Taklift 3 and Ajax. The sheerlegs lift the sections from the barges, proceed to the installation site and lower them into position.

Last month, Taklift 1 and Ajax headed for the installation site of the Papendorpse Bridge near Utrecht. This crossing will carry road traffic across the Amsterdam Rijnkanaal. Smit's scope of work involved the transportation of a 450 tonne bridge element measuring 54m long by 37m wide, delivering it by barge from the fabrication yard in Belgium.

Smit's Smitbarge 5 has been active in the placement of a rail bridge section at the same location.

The Demka Bridge will form part of the region's rail network development plan when it opens in the middle of next year.

Smitbarge 5 was under a 30 day charter for the Belgian integrated steel construction company Victor Buyck. This contract required heavy transport support of a 5,000 tonne bridge section which measured 255m long.

Smit expects demand to grow next year after a slow 2001 and a modest yet distinct upswing in the market this year. Demand is increasing for transportation services, particularly in the offshore market.

MJ Information No: 17612