URS/Scott Wilson in Kuwait seaport project

Hampshire UK based Scott Wilson Ltd is now part of the San Francisco headquartered URD Corporation.

The four year contract involves the technical and environment audit of the contractor’s design, preparing the documentation for the following dredging contract phase, providing contract administration support and undertaking supervision of construction activities.

Kuwait occupies a strategic location at the head of the Gulf, close to the large and expanding markets of Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Iran. Over the years, the country has developed a strong reputation in the logistics sector, built on the performance of its leading companies in the sector. At present, however, its two main ports face issues with congestion and are in need of expansion. The Boubyan Island project will see free trade zones established, light industry areas created and a governmental zone at the new sea port site. When completed, the port will have a proposed 60 berths constructed in 4 stages.

Martin Mannion, global head of maritime and ports at URS/Scott Wilson and the project director said, ‘This is a very challenging project, not just in terms of scale and complexity but also in relation to geological conditions as the island is largely uninhabited and is long underdeveloped due to its poor soil conditions. We have pulled together a first class major projects team of marine engineering, operations and development, project management and environmental experts. We have also teamed up with local consultants who will provide design and site supervision support.’

URS/Scott Wilson will be reporting to the State of Kuwait Ministry of Public Works – Mega Projects Sector.

The Ministry of Public Works increased the number of docks from 24 to 60 for Boubyan, Kuwait’s largest island. It is located in the northeastern part of the country and is separated from the mainland by the Subbiya Channel.

Land mines left behind from the 1990 Iraqi invasion on the island have slowed initial construction phases but project staff have been working closely with the Ministry of Defence to remove the devices.