Looking at the long term prospective of reducing Saudi Arabias dependence on oil exports, Saudi Aramco has signed a contract with a consortium comprising of Saudi Archirodon Company and Huta Hegerfeld AG Saudia Company for dredging, reclamation, and marine structures for King Salman International Complex for Maritime Industries and Services in Ras Al-Khair
The initial phase of the contract is expected to be complete by 2020; the project will include dredging and reclamation of approximately 37 million cbm of fill, in addition to ground improvement over an area of 7.4 million sqm. The contract will also provide for constructing 4,500 linear metres of concrete quay walls and wharves, in addition to 12,000 linear metres of rock revetments and breakwaters to protect the integrity of the complex.
Ahmed Al-Saadi, Saudi Aramcos senior vice president for technical services, said: The complex is in line with the kingdoms economic diversification objectives, it will position the kingdom as a strategic logistics hub and will create vast job opportunities.
The aim of the project is to develop a local maritime supply chain and to bring Saudi Arabia’s shipbuilding business back home a means of diversifying the oil-rich nation’s economy. In keeping with the goal of Saudi economic development, Aramco has an 80% target for the “Saudization” of the facility’s management. Hyundai Heavy Industries and Lamprell will be involved in the design and construction of the shipyard facilities.