A joint venture between Overseas AST and Murray & Roberts Marine successfully procured the contract for the design and erection of a series of vertical sea walls totaling 13 km, as part of the multi-million dollar Al Raha Beach Development in Abu Dhabi.  The AED 485 million contract involves construction of vertical pre-cast concrete walls encapsulating 8 man-made islands, that will support residential and commercial buildings being planned for the up market development.

Following commencement of the project in January 2007, 2200 of the 5000 pre-cast concrete ‘L’ blocks weighing between 50 to 60 tons each, have already been cast on site.  The walls are founded on a grid of stone columns beneath a 1.3m thick rock foundation.  The top of the rock is being leveled using a purpose-made stone spreader, operated by divers on the sea bed.  Approximately 1250 units (3300m) have been placed in the water to date.

For our employees on site, we have 40 staff, 220 labourers and a team of 15 divers who originate from various countries including South Africa, Australia, Indonesia, Philippines, India and Pakistan.

The design is being carried out by Murray & Roberts Marine in Cape Town, with construction progressing well.  The contract is scheduled to be completed in May 2009.