Global dredging contractor Royal Boskalis Westminster NV has secured the design and construction contract for the Pasay Reclamation Development Project in Manila Bay, the Philippines, in collaboration with CHEC from China. Awarded by property developer SM Prime Holdings Inc (SMPHI), the project aims to create a new commercial and residential area in a densely populated part of Manila.

“We are delighted with the award of this large contract from SMPHI. As Boskalis, we have a rich tradition in land reclamation and we look forward to contributing to a modest incremental growth of the Philippines and to protect part of Manila against the effects of climate change. This has always been an important region for Boskalis and through this project, we have secured utilisation for the large dredging vessels for the coming years,” said Peter Berdowski, CEO of Boskalis. 

The Pasay Reclamation Development Project features a new and modern commercial and residential property development to be run by SMPHI. It will involve the reclamation of approximately 360 ha through the construction of three artificial islands according to international standards to ensure a safe living environment. The islands have been also designed to withstand potential large earthquakes, said Boskalis. In addition, shore protection works are designed to withstand typhoons.

For the reclamation activities, Boskalis will deploy a number of trailing suction hopper dredgers over a period of two years including its mega hopper dredgers. To accelerate the soil settlement, 60,000 km of vertical drains will be installed, and the entire reclamation area will be compacted with vibro- and dynamic compaction to ensure soil stability.

The outer perimeter of the islands will be protected with a combination of rock revetment and a concrete wave wall. Preparatory work is scheduled to commence immediately and work on site is expected to start within the first quarter of 2020. The reclamation activities are planned to be completed within three years and the total project duration including land development is five years.

Boskalis has been involved in other major land reclamation projects in Asia - in Singapore (multiple projects over many decades with currently the Tuas Terminal phase two and Tekong polder projects under development), South Korea (including Songdo International City), and Indonesia (recent development of five islands in Makassar), among others.

To view the animation of the project activities, click here.