Exclusive interview from Al-Faw Grand Port project, one of Iraq’s most strategic infrastructure initiatives. In this interview, we spoke with Mr. Martijn Smitt from Ballast Nedam —the company responsible for executing the immersed tunnel connecting Al-Faw with Um Qasr. The discussion focuses on the technical and logistical challenges of the immersion process, including safety protocols, precision requirements, and the national significance of the tunnel. *Key Highlights from the Interview:*
- *Strategic Significance:* The importance of properly connecting the eastern and western sides of the tunnel structure to ensure overall project completion.
- *Extreme Precision:* The requirement for critical 10-millimeter accuracy during the placement and alignment of the tunnel segments [00:01:07].
- *Logistical Challenges:* How weak tide periods and low water current speed dictate the timing and logistical decision to start installing the tenth segment.
- *Safety Protocols:* The company’s strict “Human Safety First” policy, detailed risk analysis, and the protocol followed during the complex immersion operations [00:02:31].
- *Project Timeline:* An update on the pace of work, with plans to accelerate immersing the remaining segments by the end of the year [00:04:05].
The Al-Faw Grand Port is a key strategic project for Iraq. Stay tuned for the completion of the rest of the tunnel segments!
