This project was a part of a very high-profile project “Development of Private Island in Jumeirah” belonging to Dubai’s Shaikh family. Dubai Municipality, Environment Department on the behalf of end user awarded this project and reviewed the designs and supervised the construction of the Floating Pontoon Marinas. Considering the nature and complexity of the works involved under this project, the Client needed a contractor competent enough in designing and delivering of such a project within tight time frame. As Egis had already been working with Dubai Municipality, Environment Department for Maintenance of Marine Facilities & Coastal Protection Works for many years and had in-house design capability of similar complex works so, therefore, they were at the top in the list of preferred contractors by the Client.
The project involved construction of many Floating Pontoon marinas having different sizes and applications such as mooring of vessels, sports crafts and for recreational purpose. Some locations were fairly sheltered from the direct impact of the sea waves, but some were directly subjected to the worst sea conditions. Moreover, three types of mooring systems Guide piles, Quay wall guide beams and Sea-Flex were used to maintain the location of floating pontoons. Some location needed the mixed use of these mooring systems due to different site conditions. In addition, at one of the location the existing structure of luxury water villa was constructed by others and boat access was to be made to suit the existing construction. At other location the pontoon access was to be made from the tip of existing Groyne involving under water construction subjected to direct and worst sea conditions. All above factors made this project very complex from both design and construction point of view.
Nevertheless, some other time taking challenges were also encountered such as:
- Selection and approval by the end user of several types of services pedestals and decking finishes by requesting a mock-up involving some elements procured overseas.
- Overseas procurement following the final selection and approvals was a challenge to meet project schedule.
- Construction of concrete pontoons in required quantity within tight schedule was also a challenge.
