DMCC has tasked Brewer Smith Brewer Group (BSBG) that will see the global architecture, design, and engineering firm with delivering the second phase of its flagship Uptown Dubai district.

Engaged for lead consultancy, design and executive architecture, interior design, and structural engineering for the project, BSBG will deliver the next two commercial towers within Uptown Dubai, said DMCC.

The mid-rise towers will be 28 and 21 storeys, featuring a total of approximately 67,500 square metres of commercial space and 5,000 square metres for retail and F&B.

A strategic partnership agreement was signed at a ceremony at DMCC headquarters by Ahmed Bin Sulayem, CEO, with BSBG represented by managing partner Alistair McMillan, alongside senior partners Andrew Bereza and Scott Orwin, and group design director Michael Lewis.

“Spanning a total of 5.8 million square feet, Uptown Dubai will redefine premium mixed-use communities,” said Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DMCC.

“Through this partnership with BSBG – a global leader in delivering projects of this scale – we are one sizeable step closer to this vision. These two towers will be a strong addition to our ever-growing district, helping us meet the high levels of FDI we continue to attract with a premium commercial offering.”

DMCC’s Uptown Dubai is one of the most anticipated new masterplan developments in the UAE, with its flagship 81-storey skyscraper, Uptown Tower, becoming one of the most sought-after commercial addresses in the emirate; all office units within the tower were fully pre-leased in Q3 of 2022, reflecting the development’s significant draw for international investments. The 22 floors of office units at Uptown Tower are expected to be delivered in June 2023.

Alistair McMillan expressed his delight at the new partnership with DMCC and the opportunity to design and deliver the second phase of the Uptown Dubai masterplan.

“We are very pleased to have partnered with DMCC on this exciting commercial project, which is of huge importance as the Uptown Dubai masterplan comes to life,” he said.

“DMCC’s Uptown Dubai District has become one of Dubai’s most dynamic mixed-use developments, and with our combined design and technical expertise, BSBG is well-positioned to support DMCC in realising its vision for a benchmark mixed-use development of the future.”

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Source: ME Construction News

UAE-based facilities management (FM) services provider, Emrill, has appointed Dean Harnden as its new business development director.

In his new role, Harnden will focus on developing and implementing strategies to further develop and grow Emrill’s services in key sectors in the UAE. He will be responsible for building and maintaining key stakeholder relationships while increasing efforts to deliver service excellence in current and future contracts.

With 23 years’ experience in the FM industry, Harnden has worked in the UAE, Australia and the UK, managing numerous high-profile clients and contracts. Before joining Emrill, he led a team of over 20,000 employees and was integral in increasing revenue across the business and creating and maintaining value partnerships with key stakeholders and clients. His extensive experience includes contract negotiations, growth and operations, soft FM services, as well as developing and implementing specialised marketing and communications strategies to increase brand awareness in the industry.

Commenting on his recent appointment, Harnden said: “It is a pleasure to be working with Emrill, an organisation that has such a stellar reputation in the region’s FM industry. Their award-winning team has consistently delivered quality FM services while constantly evolving as a business with continuous improvement as a key strategy across every level of the business.”

With his expertise across aspects of FM and support services, Harnden aims to maximise profitability while upholding Emrill’s core values and expanding business operations in critical sectors. He will deliver industry-leading services and exceed client requirements across sectors including residential, commercial, industrial, master communities, aviation, logistics, healthcare, retail, hospitality, education, and leisure.

Emrill’s CEO, Stuart Harrison commented on Harnden’s recent appointment: “Having worked on both the operational and commercial side of FM, Dean has experience across several facets of the industry, including major events, security, maintenance, and customer service. This unique industry perspective will undoubtedly prove advantageous to Emrill and contribute to new projects and retaining current contracts. We are delighted to have him on the team and look forward to working with him on developing and growing our business further.”

Harnden concluded: “My goal for 2023 is to exceed Emrill’s growth targets. While FM is a competitive industry, I am confident that with Emrill’s extensive resources and dedicated team of experts, we will exceed our targets for the year and maintain our reputation as one of the region’s preferred FM service providers.”

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Source: ME Construction News

Al Hamra awarded of the main works package for its mega waterfront residential project of Falcon Island to Construction and Reconstruction Engineering Company (CRC) earlier today.

Part of DORRA, CRC has more than 80 years of construction heritage in the MENA region and will be responsible for construction of the 502 villas and townhouses ranging from two-to-seven-bedroom on Falcon Island.

The twin island project, once ready will offer affordable exclusivity to the residents with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf, lush green Al Hamra Golf Club and all the possible amenities.

“Since its launch in March 2022, the project has consistently exceeded milestones in terms of sell-out and progress related to groundwork and construction. Both the twin north and south islands have sold-out all of the two and three-bedroom townhouse inventory as investors and consumers alike clamber to gain a slice of the exclusive island living in the heart of Al Hamra Village, the only award winning fully integrated residential community in Ras Al Khaimah and the region,” commented Benoy Kurien, the Group CEO at Al Hamra.

“We have no doubt that CRC is the right construction partner to bring our vision to life through our exclusive island living project. We look forward to hitting more construction milestones as per the schedule in order to deliver the Al Hamra experience that we are known for,” he added.

Whilst the larger portion of the islands will be devoted to open spaces, the villas themselves offer spacious living, ranging from two to seven bedrooms, said the lifestyle developer.

Falcon Island is located in the heart of Al Hamra Village and within Ras Al Khaimah’s three-mile growth corridor panning from Al Hamra Village to Al Marjan Island where Wynn Resort, the upcoming first of its kind gaming and integrated resort in the Middle East and North Africa region is slated to open in 2026.

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Source: ME Construction News

The global construction machinery market will grow from $308.97 billion in 2022 to $336.72 billion in 2023 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.0%.

The Russia-Ukraine war disrupted the chances of global economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, at least in the short term. The war between these two countries has led to economic sanctions on multiple countries, surge in commodity prices, and supply chain disruptions, causing inflation across goods and services effecting many markets across the globe. The construction machinery market is expected to grow from $458.34 billion in 2027 at a CAGR of 8.0%.

The construction machinery market consists of sales of construction machinery, including backhoes, bulldozers, construction and surface mining-type rock drill bits, construction-type tractors, off-highway trucks, pile-driving equipment, portable crushing, pulverizing and screening machinery, powered post hole diggers, road graders and surface mining machinery. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

Construction machinery refers to heavy machines designed for performing construction operations. Construction machinery is used in construction projects to load and unload materials, drive tools and materials into and out of a construction site, feed or retrieve material into a processing machine, handle raw materials by transporting them, cut trees and other vegetation, and many other applications.

Asia Pacific was the largest region in the construction machinery market in 2022. Western Europe was the second-largest region in the construction machinery market. The regions covered in the construction machinery report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, and Africa.

Major players in the construction machinery market are Caterpillar Inc, Komatsu Ltd, Deere & Company, Volvo AB, Hitachi Ltd, Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science, and Technology Co. Ltd, Liebherr Group, EXOR Group, Doosan Infracore Co Ltd, and Oshkosh Corp.

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Source: ME Construction News

According to global property consultancy, Knight Frank, Saudi Arabia’s multi-faceted real estate market is currently experiencing a dynamic expansion across all sectors, a positive trend backed by compelling recent data and expert insights. The office sector, notably in the commercial hub, Riyadh, is witnessing an unprecedented surge in demand with occupancy levels soaring to a record 97% for Grade A office spaces.

The residential sector on the other hand appears to be facing growing affordability pressures, according to Knight Frank’s analysis.

Rising Star: Spotlight on Saudi Arabia’s Office Sector

Saudi Arabia’s office sector sees a consistent strengthening of demand across its 3 primary cities – Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam Metropolitan Area (DMA). With Riyadh, the commercial hub, witnessing unprecedented demand and occupancy levels for Grade A and B office spaces reaching 97% and 85% respectively, the office sector is the real star of the market.

Faisal Durrani, Partner – Head of Middle East Research explained: “The real star of the market remains the office sector. With business continuing to flock to the Kingdom from the world over – the number of business licenses issued increased by 54% during 2022 – prime rents remain under upward pressure and have climbed by 19% in Riyadh over the last year and by about 9% in Jeddah. Vacancy rates also remain marginal at 6% in Jeddah and just 3% in Riyadh.

The strong economic growth last year of around 9% – the highest level for any major economy – is driving job creating rates in key centres such as Riyadh, which is resulting in rapidly diminishing stock. What’s more, the pipeline of supply remains slim, with around 800,000 square metres of new offices planned in Riyadh by 2025, for instance. We expect demand to far outstrip this, particularly as businesses remain focused on best-in-class space, which is likely to drive a bigger delta in the performance of Grade A and Grade B rents.

“For now however, the shortage of space means some businesses are left with no option but to consider Grade B options, which has driven rents for more secondary offices up by 15% in Riyadh and 6% in Jeddah over the last 12-months.”

Retail Sector R(e)volution

The retail sector in Saudi Arabia is undergoing an exciting transformation as it pivots towards a more experiential model, with a particular focus on Food & Beverage (F&B) and lifestyle retail developments. These changes are reflected in the growing footfall and increased dwell times, which are the highest within the F&B focused lifestyle retail establishments. This transformation is not signalling the end of traditional brick-and-mortar retail; rather, it indicates an adaptation to evolving consumer preferences and market dynamics.

According to Knight Frank’s Saudi Report, younger respondents (aged below 35 years) are more likely to favour lifestyle retail centres (33%) and online shopping (22% compared to 5% for those aged 45+). This generational shift in retail attitudes is indicative of the need for traditional retail centres to reinvent themselves and enhance the in-store experience, thereby blending the lines between physical and digital retail landscapes.

Jonathan Pagett – Head of Retail Advisory (KSA) commented: “Saudi Arabia’s retail sector is witnessing a clear evolution towards an experiential model. As the younger demographic grows, the demand for retail centres offering a diverse blend of shopping, entertainment, and culinary experiences will skyrocket. While the future is very much digital, our data suggests there is still a significant place for physical retail, given it can adapt and offer consumers an enhanced, multi-faceted shopping experience.”

Driving Transformation: The Hospitality Sector

The recent unveiling of the year-round Saudi Calendar marks a significant milestone for the hospitality sector in Saudi Arabia. This comprehensive calendar, teeming with an array of diverse cultural, musical, and entertainment events, caters to an expansive audience, from local residents to international tourists. The intent is not merely to entertain, but to foster a rich cultural exchange that illuminates the vibrancy of the Saudi cultural landscape.

The Saudi Vision 2030 plan’s innovative initiative is a game-changer for our hospitality sector. Over 400 events, from concerts to entertainment pop-ups held across the nation on one of the occasions such as Eid al Fitr, appeal to a broad demographic, driving significant domestic tourism growth. This increase in activity isn’t just a temporary boost; it ensures a continuous influx of tourists throughout the year. We anticipate a positive impact on hotel performance, particularly with the projected supply increase by 2025: 27% in Riyadh, 7% in Jeddah, and 21% in DMA.

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Source: ME Construction News

Despite economic headwinds plaguing the global construction industry, the UAE and Saudi Arabia appear to challenge the status quo. The vast majority (93%) of construction decision makers in the two countries are confident about the market conditions over the next 12 months. Nearly 9 out of 10 (88%) of these professionals also expect the number and value of projects completed by their companies to increase over this period.

This is according to a new ‘How We Build Now’ benchmark report commissioned by leading global construction management software provider Procore Technologies, Inc. Surveying 201 decision makers across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the research examined the sentiment of the industry, its level of digital maturity and the challenges and opportunities facing firms as they seek to drive sustainability, productivity, profit, and performance.

Leveraging the Transformative Power of Tech

Embodying the region’s characteristic tenacity, rather than caving into economic and industry volatility, the large majority (80%) of construction decision makers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia say these pressures have instead prompted an increase in their digital transformation investment over the past three to six months, with over a quarter (26%) saying it has driven a significant increase. Moreover, in the UAE, this increase appears to follow considerable investments that have already been made in technology solutions as a high of 20% of respondents in the country (double than in Germany and France) described themselves as digital-first businesses.

A major motivation for this accelerated digitalisation could be the benefits it brings to pre-construction. Regional respondents gave ‘Implementing best practice process and protocol in pre-construction’ as the most popular choice^[1] to improve productivity and profitability within their business. Technologies, particularly construction management platforms, play a major role in making this a reality – helping unify teams, reduce project risks, drive visibility and increase the chances of predictable outcomes. This is evidenced in such platforms being a key technology that 34% of UAE and Saudi construction companies plan to deploy in the next 12 months.

Although good progress has been made by many businesses towards digital transformation, there is still some way to go before all construction businesses in the region enjoy the benefits of full digitalisation that fully integrated, one-source-of-truth construction platforms offer. As noted above, over four in ten (43%) are only now starting out on the journey. For regional comparison, 40% of firms in UAE are just starting out; in Saudi the figure is 47%.

The goal of digital transformation is clearly fixed in the sights of construction business leaders who are already using next-generation technologies like Internet of Things (47%), Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (43%) and drones (40%) to transform their operations. That level of technology investment is set to accelerate further with businesses in the region planning to introduce Extended reality (56%), next generation BIM (50%), Robotics (48%) and 3D printing (45%) in the next 12 months.

Unsurprisingly, the potential for cost savings is another driver of digital transformation in the sector as the perennial proliferation of rework continues to derail the industry’s path to profit. Respondents in the UAE and Saudi Arabia revealed that, on average, a quarter of a typical project’s time was spent on rework or rectifying issues. This challenge could be balanced out by investing in solutions that enable construction firms to capture, integrate, and standardise data more efficiently which respondents stated would potentially enable them to save over a quarter (26%) of their organisation’s total spend on projects.

“Despite the existing macroeconomic challenges and obstacles, there is a clear regional resilience and the availability of work is not a concern in this regard. Instead, construction companies in the UAE and Saudi Arabia are focused on the crucial objective of maximizing profitability and ensuring timely project completion,” said Mohamed Swidan, Head of the Middle East & North Africa at Procore. “By enhancing visibility into project parameters for all stakeholders, and improving decision making, construction management platforms are emerging as a key enabler of this objective. It is clear that regional organisations recognise this, as approximately a third (34%) of Middle East construction firms are planning to introduce construction management platforms in the next 12 months.”

Sustainability a Top Priority

Following the success of COP27 in Egypt last year, and with the upcoming edition of the conference set to take place in the UAE in the last quarter of 2023, sustainability has been a key theme for regional governments and businesses. This is perhaps why Procore’s report found the UAE and Saudi Arabia to be the most globally aware of the challenges pertaining to sustainability with 91% of regional respondents saying decarbonisation of construction projects will be an important challenge within the next 3 years.

However, firms in the UAE and Saudi Arabia are not only recognising the challenge – they are also rising to address it. At present, 43% already follow the ISO 14001 – Environmental Management System standard, and a further 45% intend to become compliant within the next 12 months.

“The construction industry understands the vital role of data in enhancing decision-making, visibility, security, and client satisfaction, as well as promoting sustainability. The continued investments in digital transformation not only enhance the industry’s efficiency and financial performance in the present, but also equip it with the capability to adapt to unforeseen challenges and meet future expectations,” concluded Swidan.

MECN.com readers can download the How We Build Now in MENA 2023 Report here.

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Source: ME Construction News

Chinese construction giant China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) brand value was up by 16% to USD31.9 billion in 2022 retains its position as the most valuable brand in the global Engineering & Construction sector, according to a new analysis by the world’s leading brand valuation consultancy, Brand Finance.

As one of the largest construction companies in the world by revenue, the China State Construction Engineering Corporation saw another year of brand value growth post-pandemic.

Every year, leading brand valuation consultancy Brand Finance puts 5,000 of the biggest brands to the test, and publishes over 100 reports, ranking brands across all sectors and countries. The world’s top 50 most valuable and strongest Engineering & Construction brands are included in the annual Brand Finance Engineering & Construction 50 2023 ranking.

CSCEC’s brand value increase is a direct result of improved business performance, as well as an improved Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 76.4 out of 100 and corresponding AA+ rating. Annual performance indicators saw significant year-on-year growth, including revenue and new construction contracts. In 2022, CSCEC delivered 28 venues and auxiliary projects for the Beijing Winter Olympics. The brand’s ability to deliver high quality projects, and operation and maintenance plans, has positively contributed to CSCEC’s brand recognition.

“Generally, Chinese Engineering & Construction brands continue to grow. These brands, however, are now faced with new expectations of sustainability,” said Richard Haigh, managing director, Brand Finance. “Now that the Chinese government has announced its 5-year plan for the Engineering & Construction industry, these brands will need to adapt and integrate sustainability into their core strategies to maintain brand value and strength.”

On the ESG front, the Chinese government announced a five-year plan for a smarter, greener, and safer Engineering & Construction sector in a bid to reducing carbon emissions, adopting digital technologies and improving the safety and quality of buildings. In response, Engineering & Construction brands have adopted various measures in line with an increasing focus on sustainability. CNBM (brand value up 7% to USD8.9 billion), the largest cement and concrete brand in China, implemented its Dual Carbon Goals aimed at advancing green development and low-carbon technology, as well as leading green and intelligent transformation of the cement industry.

US-based Ferguson (brand value up 38% to USD5.3 billion) was the fastest-growing brand of the 2023 ranking. A key driver of Ferguson’s five rank hike to 26th is the acquisition of HVAC distributor, Airefco. The acquisition has accelerated the brand’s geographic expansion and a larger multi-brand footprint, improving Ferguson’s brand recognition. Ferguson has also benefited from investments made into 17 acquisitions across the 2021-2022 period, generating additional revenues of approximately USD750 million.

In terms of ESG-related initiatives, in 2022 Ferguson launched its national partnership with Rebuilding Together, an organisation centred around repairing the homes of people in need. The partnership saw Ferguson strengthen its relationships with external communities and stakeholders. Of this year’s four fastest-growing brands, three of them are American. Caterpillar (brand value USD11.2 billion) increased 36.4%, with John Deere (brand value USD10.8 billion) up 33.1%.

Six new entrants joined the Brand Finance Engineering & Construction 50 ranking this year. China Energy Engineering Corporation (CEEC) is the most valuable newcomer, entering the ranking with a brand value of USD9.1 billion.

CEEC’s impressive inaugural brand value is a consequence of its late 2021 merger with Chinese Gezhouba Group Corporation (CGGC). The merger saw CEEC, a Hong Kong listed company, absorb CGGC, a mainland China listed company. This merger is the first of its kind, as well as the largest seen in recent years in terms of value. As the surviving company, CEEC has gained all assets and contracts and combined brand value.

In addition to calculating brand value, Brand Finance also determines the relative strength of brands through a balanced scorecard of metrics evaluating marketing investment, stakeholder equity, and business performance. Compliant with ISO 20671, Brand Finance’s assessment of stakeholder equity incorporates original market research data from over 100,000 respondents in 38 countries and across 31 sectors.

John Deere, meanwhile has secured its title of world’s strongest Engineering & Construction brand for another year, maintaining AAA rating.

John Deere (brand value USD10.8 billion) holds its position as global Engineering & Construction’s strongest brand, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 86 out of 100, which corresponds to a AAA rating. Brand Finance’s ranking also saw John Deere improve three ranks following a 33% increase in brand value (previously USD8.1 billion), entering the top 10 of the world’s most valuable Engineering & Construction brands.

Worldwide net sales and revenues increased by 19% as demand for farm and construction equipment remains strong. John Deere also benefits from its continued innovation, announcing in 2022 a fully autonomous tractor. Ready to be produced on a large scale, the brand’s development of its automated features has further solidified brand recognition, as well as its strategy for smart industrials.

As part of its analysis, Brand Finance assesses the role that specific brand attributes play in driving overall brand value. One such attribute, growing rapidly in its significance, is sustainability. Brand Finance assesses how sustainable specific brands are perceived to be, represented by a ‘Sustainability Perceptions Score’. The value that is linked to sustainability perceptions, the ‘Sustainability Perceptions Value’, is then calculated for each brand.

CREC (brand value USD19.8 billion) is keenly aware of the importance of protecting the natural environment. With a Sustainability Perceptions Score of 5.77 out of 10, CREC is perceived by consumers as the most sustainable Engineering & Construction brand. Having implemented an ESG management system since 2008, CREC is thought to be continuously considering the environment. Each of CREC’s projects undergo detailed assessments for potential environmental impacts, producing detailed programs for environmental protection. This includes the brand’s cautious handling of waste, minimising air and water pollution, and protecting biodiversity. As the ranking’s third most valuable brand, CREC is also ranked second in terms of Sustainability Perceptions Value at USD723 million.

CSCEC, Engineering & Construction’s most valuable brand at USD31.9 billion, also has the highest Sustainability Perceptions Score of USD948 million. In line with the Chinese government’s new standards towards a sustainable Engineering & Construction industry, CSCEC has actively participated in environmental and ecological restoration projects, as well as contributing towards cleaner energy and low-carbon office practices.

The brand’s perceived support of the government-proposed initiative will positively contribute to the CSCEC’s overall value, as the brand benefits from its alignment with China’s political leadership. The brand’s position at the top of the SPV table is not an assessment of its overall sustainability performance, but rather indicates how much brand value it has tied up in sustainability perceptions. The brand’s Sustainability Perception Score was also 4.69 out of 10.

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Source: ME Construction News

The port serving Saudi Arabia’s NEOM mega-development is now ready to accept traffic and open for business, says the operator.

The management of Duba Port was transferred from national maritime regulator Mawani, to NEOM in 2022.

Located in Oxagon, the home of advanced and clean industries in NEOM, the port, which is the primary seaport of entry to the northwest of Saudi Arabia, has been now been renamed as Port of NEOM.

Since the transfer, key capabilities have been expanded to match the rising volume of cargo coming into NEOM, including container and general cargo handling, said NEOM.

“The Port of NEOM will be pivotal to the continued commercial competitiveness, economic diversification and maritime trade ambitions of the Kingdom,” added Nadhmi Al Nasr, CEO, NEOM.

“Our vision is to build one of the world’s most technologically advanced, efficient and sustainable ports with the first fully integrated and automated supply chain and logistics network, and this first phase of development is a step towards realizing that.

“Located on the Red Sea, at the crossroads of global trading routes, the port will be a critical enabler for NEOM and a catalyst for broader economic development in the region. Our investment to date of over SAR 7.5 billion and our intention to open the first advanced terminal in 2025 demonstrates our commitment to the vision.”

“The Port of NEOM will be a critical enabler to the overall build, operations and economic ambitions of NEOM – from the import of goods and materials during the development phase and as a new global port serving the region. This is particularly important as development accelerates and businesses across NEOM come on-stream,” said Sean Kelly, Managing Director – Port of NEOM.

Contracts for design, dredging and quay wall construction, and cargo handling equipment have been recently awarded. Jacobs was named as the main design consultant with Moffatt and Nichol, IGO and Trent as main subconsultants; the redesign project, valued at over SAR 180 million, spans terminals, warehouses, rail delivery, infrastructure, a sustainable energy network and more.

To participate in the competitive bidding process for the first phase of the dredging and quay wall tender, a joint venture was formed between BESIX and Modern Building Leaders, who partnered with Boskalis. BESIX, together with Boskalis, are the first European contractors to be awarded a design and build lump sum contract for over SAR 2 billion with NEOM.

Boskalis will be responsible for the deepening and widening of the main access channel; in line with Oxagon and NEOM’s sustainable ambitions, there will be zero material discharge with recovery and reuse of materials and structures prioritized to construct earthwork platforms for the development of Oxagon. BESIX-MBL will be responsible for the design and build of over 3km of quay walls of variant types utilizing innovative construction methodologies and materials. As part of its efforts to reduce the project’s carbon footprint, low carbon steel frames will be used for the construction of the quay walls.

Kelly added: “Adopting a sustainable approach to the port development, mirroring the guidelines developed that center on NEOM’s core sustainability principles is a critical requirement in our tenders – the consortium of companies collectively demonstrated the ability to deliver our ambition.”

As part of the investment into the port’s development, several crane and container equipment contracts have been awarded to Saudi Liebherr Company Ltd and Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Company Limited (ZPMC). Saudi Liebherr was awarded contracts for ten mobile harbor cranes with over SAR 200 million in investment.

ZPMC has been awarded contracts for ten ship-to-shore (STS) gantry cranes, 30 electric rubber tiered gantry (ERTGS) cranes and six automated rail mounted gantry cranes (ARMG) valued at over SAR 1 billion; ZPMC will be working with Siemens Europe to deliver the automation components.

By the beginning of 2025, the first Container Terminal will be operational with integrated supply chain and logistics solutions. When completed, the port will operate at net carbon zero levels with 100% renewable energy at source, set to make it the world’s most sustainable next-generation port.

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Source: ME Construction News

Liebherr says it is delighted to have a new customer: Sankyu Saudi Arabia Co. after the firm took delivery of its first mobile cranes from the Germany-based market leader.

The specialist in plant construction, operational support and logistics services will mainly use the LTM 1050-3.1 and LTM 1160-5.2 for maintenance work in refineries and other industries.

Machines that are used in refineries and other industries must meet the highest demands with regard to quality, safety and fast, reliable service.

“To grow our business in Saudi Arabia and live up to our vision and mission of being number one in mechanical industry maintenance, we need to rely on strong customer service and products with a high level of safety,” said Mahdi Al Salem, deputy Branch Manager, Sankyu Saudi Arabia.

“The new cranes from Liebherr are a perfect fit for our support team. With Liebherr, we can rely on competent and fast service should the cranes ever break down. Crane operations in refineries and other sensitive industries are very challenging.”

Liebherr provides this highly qualified service through Saudi Liebherr Company Ltd with headquarters in Jeddah and branches in Dammam and Riyadh.

Sankyu also cites the price-performance ratio and reliability as key factors in its decision to use Liebherr cranes. The 50-tonne LTM 1050-3.1 mobile crane and the LTM 1160-5.2 with a maximum lifting capacity of 180 tonnes, combined with special equipment for working in different industries, precisely meet the requirements of major Saudi clients such as the oil production company Saudi Aramco. With their long telescopic booms and high lifting capacities in their respective crane classes, the Liebherr mobile cranes are the perfect choice for the jobs planned by Sankyu.

The company name Sankyu comes from the English expression “thank you”. The Sankyu Group of Companies is headquartered in Japan, and can look back on a century of entrepreneurial activities under the guiding principle of “valuing people” since its founding in 1918.

The company is active in two business areas. The Logistics segment is involved in the loading and unloading of ships, the operation of container terminals as well as the packaging, storage and management of warehouses and transport services. The Machine Factory segment is engaged in the construction, installation, piping and maintenance of general industrial machinery and environmental equipment, the transportation of large and heavy goods, the design, assembly and construction of bridges, and the construction of factory facilities.

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Source: ME Construction News

Dubai Municipality has announced the completion of its biogas-to-energy project at the Warsan Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The project is one of the Municipality’s renewable energy initiatives that support its strategic plan to transform traditional assets into green sustainable assets. The new project will have the capacity to generate 44,250 MWh of electricity annually.

The biogas power facility’s daily power generation capacity of 6 MW will cover 50% of the Warsan Wastewater Treatment Plant’s entire operational needs.

The Municipality completed the project in partnership with the private sector, in line with the directives of the Dubai Government to foster productive private-sector partnerships that generate effective solutions for energy needs.

The project will contribute to providing sustainable solutions by utilising alternative energy sources, further reducing annual carbon emissions by 31,000 tonnes, in addition to decreasing the plant’s operational cost by AED320m over the next 25 years.

Dawoud Al Hajri, director general of Dubai Municipality, said: “The biogas project is one of Dubai Municipality’s key initiatives aimed at generating renewable energy from sustainable and clean resources in partnership with the private sector. By enabling the plant to support itself with the power required for its operations, the initiative serves the major pillars of Dubai Municipality’s strategy such as the circular economy and sustainability, in addition to raising the cost-effectiveness of its operations.

“This reflects Dubai Municipality’s strategy for implementing innovative and environmentally-friendly projects. The plant also embodies the Municipality’s commitment to implementing projects and adopting solutions that promote sustainability in Dubai and support its vision to be the world’s best city to live in.”

According to him, the Warsan Wastewater Treatment Plant produces 57,000 cu m of biogas per day as a result of its treatment procedures.

Through the project, approximately 54,800 cu m per day will be used to produce 121 MWh of electricity, meeting 50% of the Warsan plant’s needs. The project stands out for having fully automated operations with more than 350 tools that continuously monitor operations 24/7,” he added.

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Source: ME Construction News