The Galeota Port Construction, Land Reclamation Project aimed to complete the construction of a port for the Guayaguayare fishermen. This project replaced an existing structure with a fishing dock, where local fishermen could store their vessels as well as unload and transport their daily catch straight from their boats. Boat ramps were to be built for launching as well as cold storage facilities and selling areas for vendors
How Did SMSCL Help?
The overall objective of this high-magnitude project was to apply SMSCL’s project management best practice as an ISO 9001:2015 certified company and allow the Galeota port to be built and distinguished by internationally recognised competency and globally accepted standards. Having our quality of construction work compliant with ISO standards would improve the management of fishery resources, sanitary conditions, whilst providing solid waste management for the Guayaguayare fishermen, and minimising adverse environmental impacts.
Improving conditions for these fishermen on a high-magnitude scale required a highly competent team of industry experts, experts who were trained and certified to manage the complexity of this project and ensure optimum performance. The SMSCL team conducted a full site investigation where we identified 48 x 300 metres of land reclamation to be performed. After identifying the reclamation area, we selected the most appropriate equipment to be utilised as well as the type of skilled manpower needed.
Our manpower-talent conducted specif ied cost-benefit analysis, environmental assessments as well as gathering of hydrographic data. We conducted this full-scale analysis to measure the water’s depth and bottom configuration in order to facilitate an efficient maritime port and transportation system for the Guayaguayare fishermen at the Galeota Port.
Our team filled the identified port area with heavy rock, soil and cement until the desired height was reached. To provide robust and long-term protection, we also constructed revetments out of rock to control wave erosion and maintain the shoreline. Our team was set to work during each schedule, performing rebar fabrication, concrete work, asphalt paving, coating, backfilling and compaction. Sheet piling, using pile drivers was used to provide temporary support during the construction schedules.
Being an agile company, we constantly troubleshoot new ideas to alleviate environmental concerns or conditions. As a team, we were concerned about the tide washing out the backfill material, and how it should be placed. Our experts decided on building a coffer dam. Using one tonne of sandbags, the coffer dam allowed dewatering of the enclosed area and enabled the project to proceed. In the end, we were able to cut the projected reclamation time in half. The team took special consideration to prevent impact- loading of buried inf rastructure when placing and compacting backfill.
At SMSCL, we always remain true to our commitment of excellence as an ISO certified company to apply project management best practices regardless of magnitude. Whether it’s conducting extensive environment analysis, recruiting the best experts for the job, performing daily and weekly quality checks or routing new solutions, such as coffer dams, we remain one-step ahead to provide international quality and be a globally accepted one-stop shop.
SMSCL Project Scope
- Excavate and placement of Geo textile and installation of amour rock revetment
- Installation of AZ 13 steel sheet piles
- Reclamation of site using general and select backfill – 20,000 cubic meters
- Construction of a rock slope protection
- Construction of a retaining wall
- Construction of a boat ramp
- Construction of a fish dock