Construction starts on new Angolan port

Work has started on a new port to serve the oilrich Cabinda province of Angola. According to a statement from Porto de Caio, the first phase of construction was awarded to Franki Africa Sucursal Angola. It involves the mobilisation of equipment recently delivered from Europe for the drilling of 20-60 boreholes into the sea bed which will provide information critical to the foundation of the port. A geotechnical barge, a modular self-elevating platform, will utilise a jacking system to drill the ocean bed which is estimated to be completed in eight to 10 weeks. This work is seen as an important first step to completing the first berth of the new port in the third quarter of 2017. “This stage in the development of the port marks a key milestone for the project”, said Brian Fuggle, CEO of Porto de Caio. “The information that it will produce is crucial for us to design and construct the best possible port which will serve as a gateway to increased economic growth.” Porto de Caio was awarded the concession to plan, design, build and manage the Port of Caio in August 2012. The port itself is strategically positioned nine kilometers north of the Province of Cabinda in Caio. CAPTION An artist's impression of Porto de Caio.