Fugro has completed a geotechnical site characterization project for DRA Global as part of the proposed expansion of Richards Bay port in South Africa.
Fugro has completed a geotechnical site characterization project for DRA Global as part of the proposed expansion of Richards Bay port 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 mobilization of marine assets from Bangladesh and UAE to Richards Bay and was completed despite challenging ground conditions and Covid-19 restrictions.
The very soft soils encountered at depths of more than 40 m below the seafloor required an innovative solution for positioning the two geotechnical drill rigs safely. Fugro mobilized two bespoke modular self-elevating platforms (SEPs) to acquire high-quality geo-data in a wide range of water depths.
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.’
