Belhasa Projects’ CEO optimistic about 2011
The CEO of UAE-based construction contracting company, Belhasa Projects, is banking on his water division to play a key role in boosting this year’s revenues. Greg Garner, CEO, Belhasa Projects, said: “2010 was a tough year but also a successful one. We experienced significant growth, especially from our infrastructure and MEP divisions. In 2011, I see strong growth for our Watertec division which is presently working on infrastructure projects from Ashghal and Barwa in Qatar, and district cooling and piping works with Tabreed and Meydan in Dubai.” Belhasa Projects presently employs 500 staff and a labour force of 2,800.
MoU to develop wind-powered desalination
Bahrain’s Jade Consultancy has signed a MoU with Germany's Synlift Systems to introduce wind-powered desalination technologies in the region. Jade Consultancy will provide advice on business opportunities and the environment in the Gulf region, customise the design concept of wind-powered desalination, provide project management support and facilitate cooperation with research centres in the GCC countries.
Drake & Scull International bags project in Oman
Drake & Scull International (DSI) has been awarded its first contract of the year for a project worth Dh160 million in Oman. DSI will be responsible for the complete MEP works, including the design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning for the prominent government project. DSI CEO Khaldoun Tabari said: “We are pleased to begin the year on a positive note with this major project win, which demonstrates that the investments made over the last year have significantly solidified our presence in the region.” The company’s current backlog stands at Dh5.5 billion as of September 2010. It managed to secure additional contracts worth Dh800 million in the last quarter of 2010.
Arisawa buys pressure vessel leader
Arisawa Manufacturing has acquired the pressure vessel business of N V Bekaert of Belgium. Bekaert Progressive Composites has 35% share of the global market for pressure vessels for water treatment while Arisawa’s claims a five per cent share. In a statement to the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Arisawa said: “As part of our global development strategies, we will aim to strengthen our business in this market (which) is expected to grow further in the future due to increased water demand around the world, by combining our technical strengths with Bekaert’s sales force and manufacturing prowess.”Bekaert Progressive Composites has production and sales offices in the US and Spain.
ACWA Power completes Jizan IWPP
ACWA Power International, the lead developer of the Shuquaiq II Independent Water and Power Project (IWPP) has completed the project. The plant will supply 850MW/h of electricity and 212,000m3/day of desalinated water to the Jizan and Asir areas. The project began in 2007 with the Saudi Investment Fund and the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) as shareholders in partnership with the consortium of ACWA Power International, Gulf Investment Company, and Mitsubishi. This is the fourth of the seven projects being developed by ACWA Power in the kingdom. Once all projects are complete, ACWA Power will have installed 2.4 million m³/day of desalinated water and 6,500 MW/h of power production capacity.
Zawawi Trading, VA Tech Wabag form JV
VA Tech Wabag has signed a Joint Venture (JV) agreement with Oman’s Zawawi Trading Company to tap the operation and maintenance business potential in Oman’s water sector. Zawawi will hold a 30% stake in the JV which will target contracts for operation and maintenance of water and wastewater treatment plants, sewerage and water networks and pumping stations in the Sultanate. VA Tech Wabag has already executed the 54MLD Al Ansab STP with MBR technology for Haya Water and a six MLD SWRO Plant for RAECO. It is currently executing a 16MLD sea water desalination plant for Majis Industrial Services. It is also scheduled to commence construction of a desalination plant in March 2011. VA Tech Wabag is responsible for the design, engineering, project management, and commissioning and operation management of the plant.
Idrobase reports 16% sales growth
Italy-based Idrobase Group, which caters to the high-pressure water market, has announced 16% increase in sales for 2010 compared to 2009, posting revenues exceeding Euro seven million. Non-EU markets accounted for 58% of the revenues, while EU and Italy contributed 21% each. Idrobase exports to over 82 countries, including Russia, Japan, Argentina, Australia, Kazakhstan and Mexico. Only three European countries, Italy, UK and Portugal, figure in company’s top 10 markets by sales. Bruno Ferrarese, Marketing Manager, Idrobase expects the group turnover to increase, driven by new products launched in 2010. New ‘Made in Italy’ products in the pipeline include industrial high pressure washers (from 300 to 700 bar), a programmable, multi-line fogging system, a new line of spare parts to service any high pressure washer and a new cooling system.
SIWI, ACWUA sign co-operation pact
The Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) and the Arab Countries Water Utilities Association (ACWUA) have signed cooperation agreement to build linkages between the World Water Week in Stockholm and the Arab Water Week. “The World Water Week in Stockholm synthesises knowledge from different regions around the world, assesses progress, builds capacities and establishes a global network to push water up on the global agenda. Therefore, it is important for us to be engaged in regional water conferences,” said SIWI’s Executive Director Anders Berntell. SIWI already facilitates projects, research and capacity building in the Nile, Tigris, Euphrates, the Jordan River basins. ACWUA will present the findings of the Arab Water Week at the 2011 edition of World Water Week in Stockholm.
