Rohde Nielsen A/S is deeply involved in a massive expansion of El Musel, the important port of Gijon, now taking shape.
Even for a dredging company as experienced as Rohde Nielsen A/S the port expansion of the northern Spanish city Gijon is a challenging task. The very size of the project calls for the full commitment of the two dredgers Kronborg R and Brage R and their crews: Several kilometers of break waters are to meet from two opposite points of the coast creating a barrier outside the port behind which the water will be substituted with sand and later with firm ground for new terminals and quays. Millions of m³ of material are to be handled by Rohde Nielsen A/S and other contractors. The construction of the break water via filling of caissons with sand (40.000 m³ each) demands a truly professional performance by the two vessels and their navigators in fine tuned concert with the heavy pumping-equipment onboard and its operators. It is the rainbow method in action. The giant hollow caissons, which constitutes the fundament of the break water are being submerged and placed on the sea bottom. The Rohde Nielsen A/S dredgers and their well trained crews then have to fill the caissons to the top with sand – being pumped in a precise rainbow cascade from the bow of the vessel directly into the target to keep the caissons in their exact position.
A personal effort
Onboard the Brage R the captain is responsible for not only the vessel and crew in the special conditions determined by the local waters, but also for conducting the dredging job in an efficient and cost saving way in close connection with the Spanish clients. It is company policy to communicate openly with the customer and his representatives during operation. The captain and his crew takes pride in constantly improving the production rate as the project day by day is being accomplished. Spill of sand must be minimized and the vessel’s maneuvering at all time kept as tight as possible to the shortest line when completing the rounds – out to get the material at the right spot on the winning area and back again really close to the structure to deliver the sand. The people on Brage R and Kronborg R – two crews alternate on each vessel – work 24 hours a day on the project and take all steps – including personal initiatives – to secure smooth operation without any unexpected stops.
Everything is based on know how
Behind all this lies a careful planning procedure. Dredging requires both profound knowledge and experience, and Rohde Nielsen A/S being the biggest Scandinavian dredging company has gathered a tremendous know how – from many previous projects in Spain but also through many years of experience from around the world. That is also why the environment is recognized as a key factor in all Rohde Nielsen A/S operations. The coastal areas are often delicate zones of great local importance, so the proper executing of the job is vital to the contract givers as well as to the dredging company - in this project and in general.
No problem
The Gijon Port – El Musel – is essential to the entire region of Asturias with its industrial focus on steel and coal. And the great expansion project is proceeding without major problems. The work is expected to be completed next year, and for Rohde Nielsen A/S it is a fine opportunity to do what the company does best: High level dredging in often complex situations in close co-operation with the costumer and duly respecting the environment in all aspects.