Since 1990, Baird has been assisting mining company Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium with the development of a multi-user port on the southern coast of Madagascar. The greenfield site was very remote and its existing infrastructure was extremely limited. The construction of the facility was financed by Rio Tinto and the World Bank in a joint effort of public and private partnership. The Port of Ehoala accommodates several vessel types including bulk carriers, fuel tankers, container ships, cruise lines and local coasters. The $145 million project was completed on time and under budget in July 2009 and has become a cornerstone for expanding the regional economy.

Services Provided

Baird was responsible for detailed studies in locating the port, as well as all analysis, design, and construction management of the project. Various investigations were undertaken throughout the 1990s with detailed project work concluding in 2009.

Siting studies involved a rigorous assessment of the local and regional wave climate in the southern Indian Ocean. Material sourcing was also investigated thoroughly to determine if breakwater stone and concrete aggregate quality were available in sufficient quantities.

With the port site selected and the coastal conditions defined, engineering work proceeded with navigation studies, alternative port layouts, and cost estimates. This process resulted in the selection of a preferred alternative and initiated detailed design of the quay, dredging and reclamation, several major coastal structures, navigation aids system and preparation of bid documents. Review of bids included a unique contractor design procedure, which allowed interaction between the engineer and contractor during the bid process.

Construction commenced in October 2006. Baird provided a full-time staff of engineers and technicians to oversee construction, administer the contract, review workmanship and progress, to interact with the contractor on a daily basis, and resolve any site-related issues. The port was completed and handed over to Rio Tinto in 33 months.