Latest news with #Setúbal
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
NMDC and Etermar successfully complete the construction of the first caisson-based Quays in the United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi and Setúbal – NMDC Group, a global EPC leader in the energy and marine & dredging sectors, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, and Etermar, a Portuguese marine engineering company and one of the few European companies specialised in the construction of floating concrete structures, have successfully completed the construction of 600 linear meters berth using caissons for the first time in the United Arab Emirates. The project was executed on an artificial offshore island in Abu Dhabi designed and built by NMDC, to berth some of the world's largest mega yachts (over 100 meters long). The casting and construction of the berth was completed in just five months, showcasing the efficiency of this sustainable engineering solution, which Etermar introduced in cooperation with NMDC at this Region. The collaboration between the two companies involved the design and construction of two quay walls composed of sixteen reinforced concrete caissons (300m + 300m) – built locally at Mina Zayed Port on a floating dock mobilised from Portugal by Etermar and towed to the project site by sea, where Etermar installed them. The project also included the detailed design of the capping beam, scour protection system and foundation trench. Approximately 190 workers of various nationalities contributed to this endeavour, about half Portuguese. Oliver Leclerc, Chief Operating Officer at NMDC Dredging & Marine, said: 'At NMDC Dredging & Marine we relish every available opportunity to contribute towards the growth and development of Abu Dhabi's infrastructure – and this project was no different. Together with Etermar we combined our unique skillsets in design and execution, as well as shared abilities to deploy resource at scale, to deliver a truly one-of-a-kind project. With our partners, we remain committed to driving success in marine construction projects of all sizes and complexities to bring lasting value to the nations in which we operate.' 'Our extensive experience in marine engineering and over 35 years of building this type of infrastructure, combined with the successful execution of this project in Abu Dhabi, prove that Etermar is a key partner and strategic player for developing similar initiatives in this Region. We are extremely proud to have been part of the first caissons ever built in the UAE, one of the world's most demanding and active marine engineering markets," said Álvaro Mendes, CEO of Etermar Engenharia. As the main contractor, NMDC carried out all required engineering and modelling studies (hydro dynamic, metocean, soil investigation, etc.) to assure the correct design and construction of the offshore island including dredging and reclamation, breakwater, revetment, beach profiling as well as quay wall with a focus on applying environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions, reflecting the company's strategy and UAE leadership directions and commitment. With the exponential growth of the renewable energy sector, Etermar is also firmly committed to developing reinforced concrete structures and is already applying its expertise in floating concrete structures to offshore energy projects. These infrastructures used both for floating platforms and artificial islands dedicated to renewable energy production (known as Energy Islands), play a crucial role in supporting offshore wind turbines and other energy sector technologies. Etermar's proven track record, capacity for innovation, and commitment to carbon neutrality goals position the company at the forefront of the energy transition. The recent contract for the Baltica 2 offshore wind farm in the Baltic Sea for Orsted and PGE is the latest evidence of the company's competitiveness in the international renewable energy market. With its success in Abu Dhabi, Etermar reinforces its ambition to be a global reference in integrated solutions for maritime infrastructure and sustainable energy. About NMDC NMDC Group is an integrated energy and marine services, engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) organization with a footprint spanning the MENA region, South Asia, and beyond. Harnessing 50 years of experience, it creates world-class turnkey solutions in onshore and offshore energy and marine sectors. About Etermar Founded in 1968, Etermar is one of the most experienced European contractors operating in the field of maritime engineering. With the most extensive naval fleet among Portuguese construction companies, Etermar operates with great versatility across different coastal and offshore construction segments, enabling it to execute dredging works, port infrastructure, outfalls, and submarine cables. Its track record in different countries across Europe, Africa, Latin America, and now in the United Arab Emirates, along with its commitment to continuous improvement, adaptability, and investment in high-quality equipment and skilled labour, are crucial factors that have given Etermar international recognition for its know-how and expertise.
The Guardian
15-05-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Portuguese far-right leader taken to hospital after second collapse
The leader of Portugal's far-right Chega party has been taken to hospital after another collapse during a rally days before the country votes in its third snap election since 2022. André Ventura, whose brash, blunt leadership style has helped make the populist, anti-immigration party Portugal's third biggest political force, was taken ill at an event in the southern town of Odemira on Thursday, two days after a similar episode. Videos from the rally showed Ventura, 42, grabbing his chest and trying to undo his tie before falling into the arms of aides who carried him away. He was taken to a local clinic and then transferred to a hospital in Setúbal, near Lisbon, to undergo a medical procedure. Ventura had been discharged from hospital in Faro on Wednesday after his previous collapse. The hospital said he had had an oesophageal spasm caused by gastric reflux and high blood pressure. The Chega MP Marta Silva told CNN Portugal on Thursday that an electrocardiogram in an ambulance immediately after the second collapse had shown that 'everything is well with his heart' and that it was probably another spasm. Ventura posted a picture of himself giving a thumbs-up sign from a hospital bed on Thursday afternoon. 'This is a setback and a difficulty,' he wrote on X. 'It won't bring us down. Keep going … keep going!!! Portugal is much more important, it is this country that moves us.' Chega looks likely to once again finish third on Sunday, behind the ruling, centre-right Democratic Alliance (AD) and the Socialist party (PS). Recent polls put the AD on about 33%, the PS on 26% and Chega on 17%. Ventura's efforts to win a place in government have been rebuffed by Portugal's prime minister, Luís Montenegro, who has repeatedly ruled out any deal with the far-right party. Chega, which has campaigned on a promise to clean up Portuguese politics at the same time as increasing its rhetoric against the Roma population, has been hit by a series of damaging allegations relating to some of its members over recent months. Sign up to Headlines Europe A digest of the morning's main headlines from the Europe edition emailed direct to you every week day after newsletter promotion In January, Chega expelled one of its MPs from the party after he was accused of stealing suitcases at several airports. Another party member was caught drink-driving the same month, while a third has been charged with paying for oral sex with an underage male, who was 15 at the time. Reuters contributed to this report
