A 3.4km road tunnel under the Karnaphuli river in the port city of Chittagong in Bangladesh is nearing completion, following four years of construction works. The project was officially launched by Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Chinese President Xi Jinping in October 2016, with work on the tunnel beginning in March 2019.

According to a report by the Dhaka Tribune, the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel, the first of its kind in South Asia, is being built by China Communications. Its US $930mn cost is being financed by a concessional $540mn loan from the Export–Import Bank of China.

The project comprises two tubes 10.7m wide and 4.9m high stretching 3.4km, with an approach road of 5.4km and a 740m bridge linking the main city on the west with the rapidly industrialising east, the report noted.

Once completed in September, it will connect the proposed Asian Highway, which will run along the coast of Bangladesh, with the motorway that connects Dhaka, Chittagong and the southern port of Cox’s Bazar. It will also reduce the travelling distance between Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar by 40km.

According to Project Director Harunur Rashid Chowdhury, “99.5% of the main tunnel is complete and the overall progress of the project construction work is 97.5%. Now finishing touches are under way to ensure safety and security”.

Mahbubul Alam, President of the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce added that the tunnel would unlock a new epoch in the history of the communication systems in the region. He added, “Once the tunnel is opened, it will be a game changer for the southeast region of Bangladesh and will present a solution to connectivity issues to the rest of the country.”

The tunnel will also ease traffic congestion on two bridges, including Shah Amanat Bridge, over the Karnaphuli River, the report concluded.

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Japanese architectural, engineering and urban design firm Nikken Sekkei has launched a local subsidiary and new office in Dubai Design District (D3). The new D3 office will complement Nikken Sekkei’s office on Sheikh Zayed Road and support the company’s expansion, the firm stated.

The new Nikken Sekkei Dubai office is said to highlight Nikken Sekkei’s pedigree in the UAE (dating back to 1991), with the design of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry building located on the Dubai Creek.

The firm celebrated the opening with a 130-person reception at the Palace Downtown Hotel in Dubai, which included Noboru Sekiguchi, Consul-General of Japan in Dubai, Nikken Sekkei’s President and CEO, Atsushi Omatsu, members of the firm’s executive committee, as well as a host of partners, associates, and developers. The event also showcased a range of projects the Dubai office has been responsible for designing and collaborating in the region’s office, residential, and hospitality markets, during its three decades in the Middle East.

“The Middle East is a region which we greatly value for the opportunity to participate in high-quality projects. We are especially pleased with the high level of craftsmanship and beauty we have achieved with our clients and partners on recent landmark projects such as One Za’abeel. Dubai has excellent infrastructure with which to sustain our growth, and I believe the establishment of a new company in the Dubai Design District will strengthen our capability to continue contributing to the development of this region,” stated Omatsu.

Fadi Jabri, Executive Officer of Nikken Sekkei and CEO of Nikken Sekkei Dubai

The Consul-General congratulated the Nikken Sekkei team, noting the significance of the firm’s achievements in Dubai.

Fadi Jabri, Executive Officer of Nikken Sekkei and CEO of Nikken Sekkei Dubai added, “Nikken Sekkei Dubai is a cosmopolitan group of architects, designers, and experts who value the role of creative design and the capacity for architecture to generate value through aesthetically pleasing and functional environments for people. We have a young and vibrant team. Our signature designs are influenced by Japanese aesthetics, and we believe in the importance of nature and traditional values yet are creatively aware of embracing progress and technology.”

The firm’s team of architects and engineers are responsible for designing the One Za’abeel development, which has a 230m long, 23,000t skybridge called ‘The Link’, connecting the two towers 100m above ground, giving it a floating effect. The development is due to be inaugurated before the end of this year. Other key structures the firm designed include Emaar 52|42 towers, Emaar Forte, the Islamic Development Bank Headquarters in Jeddah, Tadawul Tower in Riyadh, and Cairo Opera House, the statement outlined.

Elaborating on Nikken Sekkei’s design journey in the UAE, Jabri noted, “When we started working on our first project, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, it was one of the tallest buildings in Dubai. Dubai’s superior infrastructure and proximity to clients in the Middle East, India, and CIS have since supported our growth in the region. We hope to continue serving the needs of our clients and bring additional value through collaboration with the team in Japan.”

Nikken Sekkei Dubai begun operations with a staff of 25; the new subsidiary is said to be the company’s fifth globally and its first since 2019. It will continue to serve mixed-use, urban planning, hospitality, and high-end residential markets in the UAE and neighbouring countries by providing holistic and innovative designs, the statement concluded.

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A US $6.7bn deal to build the world’s largest green hydrogen plant in Duqm, Oman has been awarded to a consortium led by South Korean steelmaker Posco Group.

The consortium partners on the project include Samsung Engineering, a construction unit of Samsung Group, and two other Korean state-run power companies, as well as French energy major Engie and Thai national petroleum company PTTEP.

According to a report published by The Korea Economic Daily, Omani authorities will be signing the deal on 21 June with the Posco consortium, in the presence of its energy and minerals minister.

As per the terms of the deal, Posco Holdings will be leading the project and managing the plant-building processes in Oman, while Samsung Engineering will handle the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) work of the facilities, stated the report.

The other firms in the consortium will either produce or sell the green hydrogen generated by the factory, the report concluded.

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The Global Cement & Concrete Association (GCCA) has announced that the United Nations (UN) has backed its plan to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050. UN Secretary General António Guterres addressed around 200 industry leaders in Zurich via video call, and said he wanted to see “concrete pledges from the concrete industry”.

Guterres’ comments followed a rallying call from GCCA Chief Executive Thomas Guillot for the industry to redouble its efforts and work in partnership with governments to achieve Net Zero.

The world’s leading manufacturers – all members of the GCCA – have pledged to eliminate carbon emissions by 2050, in line with GCCA’s Roadmap for Net Zero Concrete. The cement and concrete industry claims to be the first heavy industry to set out such a detailed plan.

“We applaud all the action our members are taking to implement carbon-cutting measures and the latest data shows emissions are coming down. But many challenges remain which we must overcome if we are to achieve Net Zero including enabling policies and regulations from governments across the world, which often don’t yet exist,” said Guillot in his address.

He continued, “So today, I urge every manufacturer across the world, who has not yet done so, to join our pledge to eliminate emissions by 2050. But I also implore all governments to work with our essential industry to deliver the policy framework that can create the favourable conditions to unlock the transition.”

Guillot said that concrete is, “fundamental to building a better world – and we have no time to lose if we are to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5-degrees Celsius. Science tells us that requires cutting global greenhouse emissions by almost half by 2030. That means taking a quantum leap in climate action and slashing global emissions, starting now.”

In his video address, Guterres also outlined three ambitions for the industry: to end the use of coal-fired power in cement production; work more closely with governments, especially G20 countries, to speed up decarbonisation; and set ambitious emission targets and transition plans in line with UN guidelines.

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Sobha Realty, the UAE-based premium real estate developer, has launched its new flagship mixed-use community – Sobha Hartland II – aimed at “redefining luxury waterfront living”.

Spread over 8 million sq. ft., the project is located next to Sobha Hartland and consists of five- and six-bedroom villas as well as one- to four-bedroom apartments, with more than 30% of the plot given over to open and green spaces.

Unveiling the project, the Dubai developer said each residential unit is designed to offer comfort, style, and functionality, thus showcasing Sobha Realty’s commitment to craftsmanship and quality.

Sustainability and environmental stewardship have also been key pillars of the community, it stated.

Along with a waterfront promenade, the community will also be home to vast green spaces and spacious parks that will provide residents with a serene experience and promote their overall wellbeing.

In addition, due to the community’s prime location in the centre of Dubai, residents will have an easy access to key business districts, shopping malls, leading educational institutions, and healthcare facilities.

Ravi Menon, Co-Chairman of Sobha Realty, said: “Dubai’s real estate market is constantly evolving, and the recent surge in sale of luxury properties in the emirate indicates the rise of new residential micro-markets. At Sobha Realty, we work hard to surpass our customers’ expectations by setting new benchmarks in design, craftsmanship, and amenities, which is also in line with Sobha group’s brand ethos – ‘The Art of Detail’. Sobha Hartland II exemplifies luxury waterfront living at its finest, and we are delighted to introduce this exceptional community that combines timeless elegance with modern comfort.”

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Oman is launching an integrated entertainment project, Spray Boulevard, at an investment of RO40 million ($103 million) in Salalah, which will cater to both locals and tourists. The objective of the development is to add value as an outlet for visitors and residents in the governorate.

The design of the Spray Boulevard project won top government recognition and was declared one among the three best projects in a contest organised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning.

Spread over a 470,000 sq. m. area, the project, which will be implemented on a public-private-partnership (PPP) will boast waterfront restaurants, a grand market, suspended walkways and a botanical garden in addition to suspended walkways, theatres and a venue for specialised exhibitions and events.

The Ministry of Finance will provide RO10 million funding for the first phase of infrastructure and related services, while the rest will be financed by private sector institutions.

The star attractions within the development, which is expected to be implemented within the next four years,  are the Grand Market and The Square and Fountain Island.

Once completed, Spray Boulevard is expected to draw 800,000 visitors during the Khareef Dhofar season, and 200,000 visitors during the rest of the seasons combined. The project will be instrumental in promoting local tourism as well as creating jobs. It will also, over the years, turn into a global tourist destination with a wide range of events and exotic tourism experiences.

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14,400 traditional lighting units have been replaced with eco-friendly LED lights, as part of a major upgrade carried out by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The upgrade project included the renovation of 39 tunnels and crossings, spanning 22.6km, the RTA stated.

The RTA said it was deeply committed to energy conservation and strengthening Dubai and the UAE’s green economy and sustainability, besides promoting a clean environment. The RTA is committed to implementing the best international practices to achieve financial sustainability through optimal utilisation and extension of the lifespan of its assets, the firm explained.

The project entailed re-engineering the operating systems of tunnel lighting units and night road crossings, with sustainable, eco-friendly lights, said the RTA.

“We recently renovated the lighting for 39 tunnels. This six-month project entailed some of Dubai’s prominent tunnels including the Airport Tunnel, Shindagha Tunnel, Dubai Mall Tunnel, and the Dubai World Trade Centre Tunnel,” explained Maitha bin Adai, CEO of Traffic and Roads Agency, at RTA.

She continued, “LED lighting units have many eco-friendly features, such as consuming 60% less energy than traditional lighting units and offering an increased lifespan by up to 177% in comparison to older lights. The new lights have a lifespan of 50,000 hours, compared to 18,000 hours for conventional lighting units, which reduces the frequency of lights replacements and minimizes maintenance and operational costs. Furthermore, compared to traditional lamps there’s a 20% reduction in energy loss and heat emissions, enhancing the efficiency of both the units’ lighting operational system and the tunnels’ energy supply network.”

According to bin Adai, the RTA had carefully evaluated the level of brightness and colour clarity inside Dubai’s tunnels when installing the new lighting units, to ensure optimal visibility for road users, consequently enhancing traffic safety.

“The LED lighting units offer a lighting intensity of 6,000 lumens compared to 4,000 lumens for older lamps, improving the lighting quality. These units do not include environmentally harmful chemicals, like mercury found in traditional lights, which serves RTA and Dubai’s vision of achieving environmental sustainability,” she concluded.

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A new US $20bn waterfront luxury lifestyle destination has been unveiled by developer Emaar Properties. Spread over an area of 100m sqft, The Oasis by Emaar will feature 7,000 residential units and will comprise a mix of large mansions and villas, and aims to provide residents with views of water canals, lakes, and parks.

According to a statement, The Oasis by Emaar is located in a prime location within Dubai and will be surrounded by high-end developments. It will offer proximity to four international golf courses and is located just 20 minutes from Downtown Dubai.

Aiming to provide a prestigious and upscale living experience in Dubai’s real estate landscape, the development has been designed to create a resort-style lifestyle, with 25% of the land dedicated to lakes, water canals, parks, jogging tracks, green spaces, and various luxury amenities, the statement noted.

Unveiling the project at a gala event at the Armani Hotel in the Burj Khalifa, Emaar said the project’s emphasis on recreational spaces will allow residents to enjoy a high-quality living environment and engage in an active and healthy lifestyle.

“In each of its destinations, Emaar strives to meet the needs of our discriminating clientele. Our primary objective is to design one-of-a-kind destinations that complement our clients’ opulent way of life, while providing unmatched comfort and luxury. Our most recent integrated project,” stated Emaar Founder Mohamed Alabbar.

The Oasis by Emaar will also feature an expansive 1.5m sqft retail area, which will host an array of lifestyle brands and offer residents access to superior shopping options. Moreover, there will be a variety of food and beverage outlets, ensuring a diverse culinary scene to cater to different preferences, he stated.

“The Oasis by Emaar is poised to complement the urban landscape of Dubai and redefine the future of luxurious living amidst nature and water, blending harmonious architecture and exceptional amenities,” Alabbar concluded.

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The all-new E-generation Volvo R60 Rigid Hauler is the perfect partner for heavy-duty quarrying and mining. Built for markets with tier 2-compliant engines and based on the R100E model, the R60 packs a higher payload than the D-generation model it replaces, along with a durable design and new comfort and safety-enhancing features – enabling it to move more for less with every cycle.Volvo

Big on efficiency

Drew Watson, Global Product Manager for the Volvo R60 at Volvo CE, says: “The Volvo R60 offers a 55-tonne payload and body volume of 36m3, enabled by a V-shaped body ensuring optimum load retention and minimal material carry-back.

“The rigid hauler is a perfect match for a 90-tonne excavator and meets the industry standard of 10/10/20 where it can take 10% overload for 10% of the time but should not exceed 20%. To help operators haul the optimum amount of material, an optional On-Board Weighing system provides real-time payload insight to the hauler operator via the on-board display, and can predict the 10/10/20 payload.”

Contributing to speedy cycle times, the drivetrain combines high torque capability and high drive axle multiplication to deliver the traction force needed to take on the steepest site gradients.

Not only is it productive, but the Volvo R60 is also fuel efficient. Thanks to Volvo Dynamic Shift Control, gear selection is automatic to adapt to varying conditions, whilst ECO mode enables the hauler to default to the most efficient gear shifting schedule. In addition, auto engine-idle shut-down eliminates unnecessary fuel consumption and engine wear.

The rigid hauler is available with CareTrack telematics system to enable remote machine monitoring and help boost efficiency even further. What’s more, customers can gain recommendations on the optimum fleet configuration and site set-up from their Volvo dealer

Strong and durable

Designed to deliver high uptime and low operating costs, the R60 is built to last with a 60,000-hour life frame and a list of features that contribute to long-lasting performance and component life, including:

• A low center of gravity and balanced weight distribution to provide rock-solid stability and spread the impact of loads and stresses across the machine
• A high-strength, flexible chassis and responsive MacPherson strut with lower wishbone connection to absorb shocks and vibrations and improve the operator ride
• A V-shaped body, manufactured from high impact and high abrasion resistant steel, with minimal number of panels and welds
• Neutral coast inhibitor and engine overspeed protection to further minimize wear

Servicing of the R60 is required every 500 hours and can be completed swiftly thanks to a straightforward machine design that includes grouped maintenance points located within easy reach either from the ground or the service platform, as well as common-sized bearings throughout.

On-board diagnostics provide insights into system pressures and temperatures, and fault reporting to facilitate and speed-up troubleshooting.

Comfortably productive

The Volvo R60 is built with operator comfort and safety top of mind.

Operators can enter the cab from both sides using anti-slip steps and walkways. The cab is now pressurized, Roll/Fall-Over Protective Structure-certified (ROPS/FOPS) and features a left-positioned operator station to aid safe passing. Volvo Smart View is an added option to improve visibility even further with a 360° birds-eye view of the work zone.

Ergonomically positioned displays, responsive fingertip controls and low-effort steering combine to make operation effortless. The adjustable air-suspended seat and a Bluetooth-enabled audio system add to operator comfort.

The Volvo R60 is equipped with two retardation systems to keep a steady speed and facilitate machine navigation when going downhill, reducing the need for operator input. When manually selected, the transmission retarder slows the drivetrain to limit wheel lock-up, particularly useful on steep declines or in wet conditions. The modulating braking retarder can be automatically activated when the operator’s foot is off the accelerator to maintain a gear selected constant engine speed. What’s more, fail-safe braking and secondary steering systems add to jobsite safety.

Customers wanting to lower Total Cost of Ownership in quarry and mining applications should look no further than the Volvo R60 Rigid Hauler.

Key specifications:

Payload capacity: 55 000kg

Body volume, SAE 2:1 heap: 36m³

Net weight: 44,820kg

Gross weight: 99 820kg

Engine: Cummins QSK 19, CAC, Tier2

Gross power: 567kW @2,100rpm

Max SAE J1349 gross torque: 3,084Nm @1,500rpm

Max speed: 60.6km/h

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