ENGINEERING AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES IN A MARINE MEGA-PROJECT

The new Haifa Bay Port was built in order to meet the need to expand the capacity of the country’s ports in view of the increased volume of trade and the need to adapt the port to the fast changing size of the ships plying international trading routes. The project included development of the port lands, construction of breakwaters, the erection of quays, opening a terminal and the provision of additional structures in the harbour area.

Before starting work a marine survey of the project area was undertaken with a view to preventing harm to the marine environment. The marine survey included maritime measurements and reviews of subterranean conditions regarding seabed levels and types. At the same time a comprehensive operation to stack rocks in dedicated piles was carried out, while taking the utmost care to comply with environmental regulations.

INCLUDED IN CONSTRUCTION OPERATIONS:

• Erection of breakwaters - extension of main breakwater by about 880 metres by casting rocks from special barges as well as building a secondary breakwater to an overall length of about 2.1 km., carried out via the sea and the shore and comprising 1.5 km. of rock and 600 metres of caissons.
• Pile walls driven in over a length of about 2 km. to form the operational area of the new harbour, using special barges.
• Layout of operational area of 890 acres - for this purpose an area of the sea was “reclaimed” by pouring in enormous quantities of sand excavated from the breakwaters and other areas of the port. The sand was in fact trapped between the pile walls and the secondary breakwater, preventing its escape and aiding its accumulation up to the formation of a sandy land area above sea level. Following “reclamation” of the harbour area, the sand was compacted until a firm land area was obtained enabling works to proceed.
• Construction of 20 caissons (cast concrete) with a concrete volume of approx. 2,000 cu.m. that were flooded and floated into position at the end of the breakwater.
• Laying out of operational area - Paving, setting up operational bridge cranes, container unloading and creating logistic areas etc.