Project Description
Description of the project
Maasvlakte 2 is a 2.9 billion Euro port expansion up of 1.000 hectares of an area dedicated to container handling (600 hectares), distribution facilities (200 hectares) and chemical industry (200 hectares).
PCR was involved in several projects for the development of Maasvlakte 2, which includes the masterplan for the staged development of the expansion, studies, investigations, and modelling related to basic infrastructure, logistic concepts, hinterland connections and concessions and the optimization of the breakwaters.
The challenge was the creation of sufficient flexibility in the design to cope with the considerable future changes in the years up to 2035. For that reason, a design concept has been chosen that optimizes the flexibility of phased development. The outer contour of the extension has been constructed in the first phase. Within this contour a phased reclamation and construction of port infrastructure, based on client demand, will eventually lead to 1.000 hectares of port area.
The design process was structured in such a way that the internal rate of return of the total project could be optimized while maintaining a maximum project budget. The business case financial model and the Master plan design were checked and balanced via a design cycle.
Part of PCR’s assignment included the tendering of the Phase 1 Design, Build & Maintain type construction contract (value: 1.1 billion Euro), providing design alternatives, detailed Program of Requirements and leading the technical tender sessions and evaluation of bids. This also led to a post-award optimization of breakwater design, including physical modeling at HR Wallingford in the UK.
Another task included provision of dredging technology input for EIA and specifications for reclamation activities, design and management of soil investigation program, cost estimates, advice on working methods and construction planning, technical/commercial negotiations with Contractor, set-up of maintenance and environmental monitoring program, and liaison with authorities on sand extraction and environmental effects.
One of the main challenges of the project was the management of the environment and the public opposition to the project. Communication with stakeholders has been a substantial part of the assignment as well as developing environmental methods and tools to meet the challenges.
After the design stage, PCR was involved in the tender preparations for the concession of the new container terminal, including assessing the evaluation criteria related to finance, market, technical and sustainability aspects and preparing the concession contracts.
