Daewoo Engineering & Construction (Daewoo E&C) announced on Oct. 18 that it has received the taking over certificate (TOC) for the wharf construction at Al Faw New Port in Iraq, marking a significant milestone in the ambitious infrastructure project. The wharf construction, a key process in the Al Faw New Port project, was commissioned by the General Company for Ports of Iraq (GCPI) and commenced in August 2020.
Within a span of approximately 37 months, Daewoo E&C successfully completed the construction of the wharf, which measures 1,750 meters in length and 40 meters in width—equivalent to about ten soccer fields. The project involved driving approximately 1,700 steel pipe piles with a diameter of 1.4 meters and a length of 50 meters, and pouring 130,000 cubic meters of concrete. The wharf accommodates five berths. The company utilized the cantitravel method for pile driving and the precast method for superstructure work on the piles, ensuring the construction was completed without a single day of delay.
Kim Ki-young, the site manager for Daewoo E&C, expressed pride in the team’s achievement, stating, “Despite the challenges of this large-scale project, which required an enormous amount of materials, we successfully shortened the construction period and completed the wharf construction based on thorough construction planning, site management, and technical know-how.”
The Al Faw New Port project is a national priority for the Iraqi government, aimed at diversifying the country’s economy and reducing its excessive dependence on oil. The project seeks to establish a land-based Silk Road connecting Al Faw with Europe and Central Asia, with the goal of developing Al Faw Port into one of the world’s top 12 hub ports. The completion of the remaining dredging, reclamation, and navigational dredging works will finalize Phase 1 of the Al Faw New Port project.
Historically, Iraq’s economy has been heavily reliant on oil exports, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices. Diversifying the economy is a strategic priority for the Iraqi government to ensure long-term economic stability and growth. The Al Faw New Port project is part of Iraq’s broader strategy to develop its infrastructure and enhance trade and logistics capabilities.
Daewoo E&C, a major South Korean construction company known for its expertise in large-scale infrastructure projects, has played a crucial role in the development of the Al Faw New Port. The company’s technical capabilities and efficient project management have been instrumental in achieving the project’s milestones.
The development of Al Faw New Port has significant geopolitical implications, as it aims to establish a new trade route that could alter regional trade dynamics. The port’s development is expected to enhance Iraq’s role in global trade networks, contributing to economic efficiency and growth.
The successful completion of the wharf construction at Al Faw New Port is a testament to Daewoo E&C’s commitment to excellence and innovation in infrastructure development. As the project moves towards the finalization of Phase 1, the Al Faw New Port is poised to become a critical node in the global supply chain, facilitating the movement of goods and supporting Iraq’s economic development.
Source: Business Korea