Fugro’s self-elevating platforms being positioned in Richards Bay ready for their geotechnical site characterisation for the planned port expansion.
Dubai, UAE, 26 October 2021 – Fugro has completed a geotechnical site characterisation project for DRA Global as part of the proposed expansion of the port of Richards Bay in South Africa. DRA Global contracted Fugro to acquire critical seabed Geo-data required for the completion of preliminary engineering and design works. The project began with a cross-continental mobilisation of marine assets from Bangladesh and UAE to Richards Bay and was safely delivered despite challenging ground conditions and ongoing Covid-19 restrictions.
The very soft soils encountered at depths of more than 40 m below seafloor required an innovative solution for positioning the two geotechnical drill rigs safely, so Fugro mobilised two bespoke modular self-elevating platforms (SEPs) to acquire high-quality Geo-data in a wide range of water depths. Their experienced staff, combined with adaptable marine assets and tooling, enabled Fugro to deliver DRA Global’s requirements in full and avoid any data gaps that could have led to an overengineered design and ultimately higher construction costs.
Cobus Rossouw, Principal Marine Engineer at DRA Global, said: “Fugro performed well under difficult circumstances, including challenging site conditions and intense focus on environmental management in sensitive areas, all while working in an operational port. Their robust safety management systems resulted in an investigation completed without a single lost time incident (LTI).”
About Fugro
Fugro is the world’s leading Geo-data specialist, collecting and analysing comprehensive information about the Earth and the structures built upon it. Adopting an integrated approach that incorporates acquisition and analysis of Geo-data and related advice, Fugro provides solutions. With expertise in site characterisation and asset integrity, clients are supported in the safe, sustainable and efficient design, construction and operation of their assets throughout the full life cycle. Employing approximately 9000 talented people in 61 countries, Fugro serves clients around the globe, predominantly in the energy and infrastructure industries, both offshore and onshore. In 2020, revenue amounted to EUR 1.4 billion. Fugro is listed on Euronext Amsterdam.
