Mabey Bridge meets Bahrain's oil modernisation needs

Mabey Bridge has delivered two critical construction site access bridges in support of a multi-billion-dollar modernisation and infrastructure improvement programme led by the Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco).

The Bapco Modernization Programme (BMP) constitutes Bapco's largest capital investment in its 90-year history, and is designed to increase its refining capacity and improve energy efficiency.

Mabey Bridge's role was to support the construction of Bapco's new industrial facilities with the supply of a brace of two-lane bridges. Two identical Compact 200 bridges were supplied to meet the requirement, each sized 27m x 6.3m, complete with parapets and anti-skid decks.

The aim was to facilitate easy access of construction vehicles and deliveries of specialist equipment to the construction site, without interfering with the local road network.

Post-installation technical assistance was also provided by Mabey Bridge to ensure extra-heavy load requirements were met.

BMP Project Director Mr Hafedh AlQassab described the design and installation as "first rate" and recognized by all stakeholders as a positive addition to the BMP Project.

Michael Treacy, CEO Mabey Bridge, said providing quick and safe access to site for construction traffic was of paramount importance. "We are delighted to have been able to demonstrate how modular steel solutions can deliver real project efficiencies in transformational construction projects like this," he said. 

Across the GCC, economies are in recovery mode following COVID and drop in oil prices. 

In April 2020, the first full month of the coronavirus impact, just $4.1bn worth of contracts were awarded in the region, close to 40% lower than the $6.2bn worth of contracts in the same month in 2019, according to the MEED Projects tracking service.

As the market slows, project companies now face two distinct challenges, according to the Deloitte GCC Powers of Construction 2020 report (click here). 

"They have to adhere to contracts and maintain Construction output while at the same time meeting the requirements for social distancing among staff and transporting them to and from site," it notes.

"In parallel, there is anecdotal evidence of payments slowing and cashflow deteriorating, while falling building material production also threatens to disrupt project schedules as the availability of key supplies like mortar, brick and plasterboard becomes more limited."

Bahrain's large neighbour, Saudi Arabia, has been the worst hit with just under 300 projects put on hold, according to the report.