Spartacus leads DEME into Egypt's Abu Qir

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Belgium''s DEME Group has won a large contract for the Abu Qir port project in Egypt, for which it will deploy the newbuild cutter suction dredger ''Spartacus''.

With a total installed power of 44,180kW,Spartacus becomes the world's most powerful cutter suction dredger

The vast project includes the reclamation of some 1,000 hectares of new land, the deepening of the port's approach channel to 23m and the dredging of a turning basin to 22m. A total of more than 150 million m3 of material will be dredged.

The marine construction works, including 6,800m of quay walls for new berths, 8,600m of breakwaters, and soil improvement works will be undertaken by DEME's consortium partner GIECO, Egypt's leading marine engineering company.

This ambitious project creates land for the expansion and further development of Abu Qir, which boasts an ancient history and is slated to become an economic hub, supplementing nearby Alexandria. Alongside this, a large multifunctional port facility can be developed adjacent to the Abu Qir Container Terminal, which is currently under construction.

DEME will deploy the world's most powerful cuter suction dredger, Spartacus, for this project. The newbuild joins the DEME fleet this year, boasting an unrivalled total installed power of 44,180kW for maximised production rates, pumping power, and its ability to cut hard rock. In addition to Spartacus, DEME will deploy a range of variously sized trailing suction hopper dredgers. Preparations for the project have already started, with the main works set to commence early this year and completion due in 2023.

DEME has established a long term track record in Egypt which includes participation in the Suez Canal widening project of 2015. The Group's engineering capabilities enabled the company to develop the most cost effective approach for the execution of this complex and multi-faceted project.

DEME Group CEO Luc Vandenbulcke commented: "We are very proud to have secured our largest ever dredging and land reclamation project to date, and to support the Arab Republic of Egypt in its ambitions to develop a world class project. This contract underlines our technical capabilities and engineering expertise. Undoubtedly, our powerful Spartacus was a key differentiating factor in enabling us to win such a special contract. We look forward to working with our client and consortium partner to successfully deliver this exceptional contract."

By Larz Bourne