The planet’s resources are finite, and it’s our responsibility to use them wisely while maximizing their benefits.

Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is committed to promoting a circular economy approach that not only conserves resources but also offers significant advantages such as cost savings, reduced lead times, and enhanced machine uptime – all while ensuring the quality and warranty of brand new machines and parts.

Here are three ways to get involved.

1. Choose Volvo Approved Used Equipment

When expanding your equipment fleet, consider opting for a used machine from Volvo CE’s Approved Used Equipment service.

A Volvo Approved Used A40G articulated hauler, for example, saves approximately 100 tonnes of CO₂ emissions versus buying a new machine.

Beyond the environmental benefits, opting for used machines comes with financial advantages, as they are more budget-friendly than brand new ones. Plus, you won’t have to wait for extended delivery times.

Volvo-trained technicians thoroughly inspect the machines to ensure quality, performance, and reliability. Each purchase also includes a Volvo Approved Used warranty, providing you with peace of mind knowing you’re investing in a high-quality, ready-to-work machine.

2. Get a second life for parts with Volvo Reman

Instead of purchasing new parts, consider replacing them with refurbished ones from Volvo Reman. The process takes used, worn parts and often improves them by incorporating available updates and the latest specifications.

This not only benefits the environment by reusing 85% of the original materials and recycling the rest but also significantly reduces CO₂ emissions, as it requires 80% less energy than manufacturing new components.

Volvo Reman also offers quicker delivery and replacement compared to traditional repair methods, resulting in improved machine uptime. With the added benefit of a warranty equivalent to that of a brand-new component, all at an attractive price, it’s a popular choice among Volvo customers. 

3. Extend the life of your machine with a Volvo Certified Rebuild

Don’t retire your machine prematurely; give it a second or third life with a Volvo Certified Rebuild.

In Volvo certified workshops, worn parts are refurbished or replaced with Volvo-approved used parts. The process can also incorporate updates such as air conditioning or new seating to meet your unique requirements, ensuring that your machine is up-to-date with the latest technical specifications.

Contact your local Volvo CE dealer today to explore these options for improving both sustainability and your bottom line.

The post Embrace sustainability with three key circular economy practices appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews

Roshn Group has announced the opening of sales for Warefa, its new mixed-use residential community in Riyadh. The project is said to place residents at the centre of the city’s new growth story and is within easy reach of the capital’s key locations.

Building on the success of Roshn’s flagship Sedra development, Warefa will offer Saudi residents high quality, integrated living in the rapidly developing district of Al Janadriyyah. To support the Warefa community and facilitate property ownership, Roshn has inaugurated a dedicated sales centre, located in the eastern part of Riyadh. It features a detailed model of the project and various interactive technologies to showcase the community, units, and facilities.

In addition, there are dedicated offices and representatives of local banks within the sales centre. These bank representatives play a crucial role in providing financial planning services to customers, ensuring that their financial budgets align with the available options. They also offer advice on suitable payment methods and future commitments. Their role extends to assisting sales advisors by providing insights into the amount a customer is willing to pay, ensuring that Roshn customers get precisely what they need and can afford. Furthermore, they facilitate the home financing process in the most convenient way possible, the developer explained.

Roshn’s goal is for the centre to be a comprehensive, one-stop shop, addressing all customer needs and providing the best services to facilitate long-term property ownership. Customers can schedule a visit to the center through the website.

Warefa will offer 1,609 units for the first phase of the project, varying between villas, townhouses, and duplexes will be available for purchase, all supported by Roshn’s mix of civic amenities and attractive public spaces.

Developed over six neighbourhoods – and set over 1.4m sqm – 11% of Warefa’s total footprint is also dedicated to open and green spaces, with an accent on fine landscaping and close proximity to recreational facilities.

The post Sales begin for Riyadh’s new Warefa development appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews

Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) has launched hydrogen train tests in the Kingdom, following the signing of an agreement with Alstom. It will conduct the operational tests and studies necessary for preparing the train for the extremes of the Kingdom’s environment, in readiness for future entry into service.

The early works are in compliance with the memorandum of understanding signed by the Ministry of Energy and SAR, on 20 January 2022.

Trials started this October, and SAR emphasised that such trains are the first to be used in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Minister of Transportation & Logistics and SAR Chairman, Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, said the step is part of the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and wider plans to move to a more sustainable transport system that adopts the latest smart technologies.

He added that SAR is committed to its leading role in achieving the Saudi Green Initiative, stemming from the Saudi Vision 2030, which stipulates increasing the Kingdom’s reliance on clean energy, reducing carbon emissions and protecting the environment.

SAR CEO, Dr Bashar Al-Malik, commented on the company’s commitment to implementing initiatives that align with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, noting that the hydrogen train is one of the most important innovations in sustainable transport – since the energy needed for the operation and movement of these trains is generated without emitting carbon.

The certified trials of hydrogen trains began in 2018 in Germany and continued until 2020. Commercial operations, limited to passenger transport, then commenced in 2022.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

The dates has been announced for the region’s leading Awards event for the transportation and mobility sectors. 

The Truck and Fleet Middle East Awards 2024, including the prestigious Middle East Truck of the Year Award, will take place on the 23rd January, 2024 at the Ritz Carlton JBR hotel and resort.

Now in their third year, these awards celebrate professional fleets and vehicle makers who play a key role in the operations, logistics and projects at the heart of the GCC economy.

“The Truck and Fleet Middle East Awards are getting bigger every year and it is exciting to once again launch the next event,” said Stephen White, head of content, Truck and Fleet Middle East.

“The market is picking up and opportunities are opening up for fleets across the region that we have never seen before. We are fortunate to be witnessing some major announcements around the COP28 meeting, the rise of digitalisation, and the rapid progress of the Saudi market; all of which should be reflected by an even stronger and more exciting set of nominees and winners this year.”

To see the categories and nomination yourself for the 2024 Truck and Fleet Middle East Awards visit the site today!

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Belgium-based Elia has secured the environmental permit for the construction of the world’s first artificial energy island. Princess Elisabeth Island will serve as a hub connecting offshore wind farms and interconnectors to Belgium’s onshore power grid, said the firm which is a transmission system operator (TSO).

A consortium comprising two Belgian marine construction companies, DEME and Jan De Nul, will undertake the island’s construction and have already begun site preparation activities in Vlissingen, the Netherlands. They will first construct the concrete foundations, known as caissons, for Princess Elisabeth Island, which will be located 45km from the Belgian coast, a statement from the firm noted.

“Belgium is a leader in offshore wind. It is accelerating the energy transition via a fourfold increase in offshore wind capacity in the Belgian North Sea, the construction of an energy island and new interconnectors with countries which surround the North Sea,” said Tinne Van der Straeten, Belgium’s Federal Minister for Energy.

The island’s construction is expected to last two years, commencing in March 2024 and concluding in August 2026. The recent grant of an environmental permit for the construction of caissons at Verbrugge Zeeland Terminals in North Sea Port signals the project’s progression, the firm added.

During construction activities in Vlissingen, project coordination will be conducted from Port Oostend, with logistics and engineering operations moving to the newly renovated Stapelhuis warehouse in early November 2023. The project is expected to create approximately 80 jobs.

A spokesperson for Elia stated, “The energy island will become an offshore wind energy hub that will provide green, affordable energy for our families and companies. It is important that we take marine life into account, both above and below water. It is good that Elia is continuing to focus on Nature Inclusive Design.”

Once completed, Princess Elisabeth Island will be the world’s first artificial energy island to combine direct current (HVDC) and alternating current (HVAC). The high-voltage infrastructure on the island will consolidate export cables from wind farms in the new Princess Elisabeth Zone, while simultaneously serving as a hub for future interconnectors with the United Kingdom (Nautilus) and Denmark (TritonLink).

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Saudi-based developer Roshn Group has launched the third edition of its Himam graduate leadership programme to enable, enhance and empower the next generation of Saudi leaders. The developer said that applications are now open until 15 October, 2023, to Saudi citizens who have recently graduated or have less than a year’s employment experience.

Himam is a holistic 18-month, three phase programme combining internationally partnered academic programmes with on-the-job training. alongside experienced and expert professionals within Roshnto hone and expand participants’ skills.

The programme offers participants the opportunity to interact with key individuals with extensive industry knowledge across multiple sectors, expanding horizons and broadening perspectives. Programme graduates join Roshn – a diverse and internationally awarded ‘Best Place to Work’ – where Saudi citizens make around 70% of the workforce, while around 40 other nationalities bring ideas and expertise from across the globe, said a statement from the firm.

Nasreen Aldossary, Chief Human Resources Officer, Roshn Group added, “We are committed at Roshn to empower talented Saudis to grow their skills, to provide them with the essential experience, and to fulfil their career’s ambitions in-line with our commitment to the 2030 Vision, and our own Saudisation goals. We believe that Himam’s participants will bring fresh perspectives and exciting new insights to Roshn that are worthy of being incubated. Ensuring that as we grow, cross frontiers, and enter new markets, we are powered by a workforce equipped with expectational problem solving skills, a desire to succeed and grow, and a strong commitment to the Roshn project and its values.”

The Himam programme is designed to bring benefits to the entire company. Participants work with Roshn’s upper, middle, and administrative teams in a way that allows them to share their ideas and unique perspectives, while gaining valuable personal and professional experience that will inform their entire careers, the developer explained.

Select Himam graduates will also join Roshn’s Youth Committee – which facilitates communication between experienced leadership and the new intake – giving these rising stars regular opportunities to meet with senior management to discuss their aspirations and contribute to the group’s development.

Candidates can apply online through the Himam website https://www.roshn.sa/en/himam from 5 October to 15 October 2023 to begin their journey. Following a series of online and in-person tests and interviews, the programme begins on 25th November, with 25 successful candidates joining Roshn.

The post Roshn Group launches new round of Himam graduate leadership programme appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews

Modular construction specialist, SIBS, has won a new contract to deliver an additional 1,300 apartments to a large-scale residential project in Neom. SIBS says it is the sole supplier for this project and notes that this is the second order from Neom in less than four months.

The latest contract, a design and build one, includes the design, production, logistics, assembly, and finalisation of 1,300 apartments spread across 22 buildings, totalling approximately 100,000sqm GFA. SIBS said it will deliver turn-key buildings from a finalised bottom slab upwards. The entire project will be commissioned and delivered by Q4 2024.

The order solidifies SIBS position in Saudi Arabia specifically but also globally as one of the world’s leading industrial producers of apartment buildings, it said. The first order of 2,174 apartments is already in production, the company stated.

“We are very proud to once again have been awarded a contract of this magnitude and to have received all orders of high-quality apartments of permanent standard that Neom has awarded so far. We have already initiated the production of over 2,000 apartments in Neom, and this new contract demonstrates our capacity to handle extensive and complex deliveries. It’s clear that our offering is appreciated in the market, and this is another confirmation that we possess the competence and delivery strengths that few others can match. We look forward to our continued delivery of high-quality houses to Neom, a revolutionary urban development we truly believe in,” says Erik Thomaeus, CEO of SIBS.

According to SIBS, the buildings comprise one- and two-bedroom high-standard apartments equipped with designed kitchens, exclusive bathrooms, and balconies. Solar panels will be built on the roofs, and the firm says that low-energy building materials, together with its modular building system which ensure 90% completion ahead of delivery to the construction site, make the buildings highly energy efficient.

The buildings are adapted in detail to comply with Neom’s stringent regulations and are designed for future relocation if needed elsewhere as the development of Neom progresses throughout other parts of the region, the statement concluded.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Dubai Municipality has launched what is billed as the world’s first system for certification and conformity marks for 3D printing in the built environment. The system will serve as a proactive measure to streamline procedures and improve the quality of concrete mixes used in factories licensed and operating in Dubai.

“The certification and conformity mark system for factories and entities operating in the field of 3D printing for construction has been comprehensively established in alignment with Dubai Municipality’s proactive vision. This system embraces international best practices to provide exceptional services to both individuals and the community, thereby enhancing Dubai’s global reputation and aligning with Dubai Municipality’s strategic objectives outlined in Dubai’s 2030 Plan,” stated Dawoud Al Hajri, Director-General of Dubai Municipality.

He added, “Additionally, the system supports Dubai’s 3D printing strategy, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. The strategy aims to utilise technology for the advancement of humanity and position the UAE and Dubai as prominent regional and global hubs for 3D printing technology. The new system is anticipated to make significant strides in the efforts to streamline practices and procedures for 3D printing and enhance the quality of concrete mixes used in licensed factories.”

According to a report from WAM, the initiative plays a key role in advancing Dubai’s position as the world’s first city to adopt a conformity marking strategy for 3D printers used for construction and regulating this new form of project delivery.

Alia Al Harmoodi, CEO of the Environment, Health, and Safety Agency at Dubai Municipality said that the main focus of the new system includes assessing product and raw material quality, ensuring the efficiency of manufacturing equipment and machinery, defining technical standards of manufacturing operations at every stage of production, and ensuring efficiency of management systems within factories.

“In line with its efforts, Dubai Municipality included an integrated guide on its website featuring four chapters that cover the key requirements to be met by factories and entities engaged in 3D printing for the construction sector. The guide, which has a flexible and relevant design, sheds light on various methods and technologies of manufacturing concrete used in 3D printers, while also considering different components and specifications of materials used by companies,” Al Harmoodi explained.

The Dubai Central Laboratory will supervise the management of the new system in terms of product evaluation, auditing, and lab testing and issuing conformity certificates in accordance with approved technical principles and controls.

The laboratory is said to have developed various certification and quality marking systems in recent years, which have been instrumental in elevating product quality and ensuring consumer protection across Dubai. This includes conformity certification programs for ready-mix concrete factories, precast concrete factories as well as cement and chemical additive factories.

By integrating cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing, construction projects can yield numerous benefits such as reducing chances of errors, wastage of materials and natural resources used in mixtures like water, aggregate and cement, and accelerating work completion with minimum manpower, Dubai Municipality said.

The post Dubai Municipality launches certification system and conformity marks for 3D printing appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) has awarded two engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts worth US $17bn for the Hail and Ghasha Offshore Development project.

The project aims to operate with net zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, reinforcing Adnoc’s legacy of responsible energy production and supporting its Net Zero by 2045 ambition and accelerated decarbonisation plan, said a statement from Adnoc.

The first EPC contract for the offshore facilities includes facilities on artificial islands and subsea pipelines. It has been awarded to a joint venture between National Petroleum Construction Company and Saipem. It is estimated to be worth about $8.2bn. The second EPC contract will deliver the onshore scope, including CO2 and sulphur recovery and handling. It has been awarded to Tecnimont. This contract is valued at $8.74bn.

Hail and Ghasha are part of Abu Dhabi’s Ghasha concession, which is set to produce more than 1.5bn standard cubic feet per day (bscfd) of gas before the end of the decade, contributing to UAE gas self-sufficiency and Adnoc’s gas growth and export expansion plans.

Over 60% of the investment value of the entire project will flow back into the UAE’s economy under Adnoc’s In-Country Value (ICV) program, reinforcing the company’s commitment to ensuring more economic value remains in the country from the contracts it awards.

Abdulmunim Al Kindy, Adnoc Upstream Executive Director said: “The final investment decision, for Hail and Ghasha, is a major milestone for Adnoc and our strategic partners, and we are delighted to progress this pioneering project with Net Zero carbon dioxide emissions, significantly boosting Adnoc’s carbon capture capacity as we work toward a lower carbon future.”

“The project will drive in-country value, provide highly skilled career opportunities for UAE Nationals and stimulate socio-economic growth for the nation. Natural gas is an important transition fuel and Adnoc will continue to responsibly unlock its gas resources to enable gas self-sufficiency for the UAE, grow our export capacity and support global energy security,” he concluded.

The post Adnoc awards contracts for Hail and Ghasha Offshore Development project appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews

A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for power generated from the UAE’s first utility-scale Wind Programme has been inked between EWEC (Emirates Water and Electricity Company) and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC (Masdar). The agreement will see EWEC procuring power from the UAE’s utility-scale wind programme for the first time.

The agreement was signed by Othman Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of EWEC, and Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Masdar Chief Executive Officer. Also in attendance was Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, COP28 President-Designate, and Chairman of Masdar, and Engineer Awaidha Murshed Ali Al Marar, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE).

The agreement was signed following the official UAE Wind Programme inauguration presided over by H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

Located at Sila, Sir Bani Yas Island and Delma Island, the wind power farms have a generation capacity up to 99MW of renewable, carbon-free electricity, enough to power 22,000 homes, displacing 115,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

The purchase agreement will draw power from 22 wind turbines standing at 95m high with a 155m wingspan, able to generate power at lower wind speeds, and also includes 14MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) power.

“We are honoured to welcome H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council to inaugurate the UAE’s first utility-scale Wind Programme, and witness the signing of this landmark power purchase agreement which reflects a significant milestone for EWEC as we further expand our energy generation portfolio and increase the share of renewable energy in the UAE’s total energy mix. The addition of wind power to Abu Dhabi’s energy system enables EWEC to deliver power from a diverse array of renewable and clean sources that support the conservation and preservation of the UAE’s natural heritage while simultaneously accelerating the country’s socio-economic growth,” stated Othman Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of EWEC.

He added, “This strategic partnership with Masdar signifies our joint commitment to driving the country’s energy transition and significantly reducing the carbon emissions associated with energy generation. With the UAE hosting COP28 this year, EWEC is proud to be supporting the UAE in achieving its carbon-neutral future by mid-century and becoming the world’s most dynamic economy as outlined in the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative.”

Being at the forefront of driving the country’s energy transition and decarbonising the energy sector, EWEC’s historic deployment of utility-scale renewable energy is accelerating the UAE’s realisation of its economic and sustainability objectives. With the addition of wind power, EWEC’s portfolio now encompasses multiple sources of strategic green energy, solidifying the UAE’s energy transition leadership, a report from WAM stated.

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Masdar’s Chief Executive Officer concluded, “This is a remarkable milestone in the UAE’s renewable energy journey as wind energy is now for the first time powering the UAE national grid through our partnership with EWEC. Thanks to the vision of the wise leadership, Masdar was empowered to engineer and construct a technologically advanced, utility-scale wind programme across the UAE, collaborating with international partners, when many considered it impossible due to low wind speeds in the UAE. Today we see that pioneering vision become a reality as a result of UAE-led innovation and expertise.”

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Source: MEConstructionNews