First Harbor Builds Ironsands Port, Now Focuses on Other Possible Projects
The First Harbor Consultants Co., Ltd Fiji Branch is now focusing on major infrastructure projects in Fiji and the region.
This follows its successful completion of the investment intensive Amex Resources Limited Mba Delta Ironsands Project at the Port of Lautoka. The Lautoka based Chinese company is currently one of the region’s most experienced and the largest professional companies in harbor engineering and sea port construction.
Donald Singh, Stakeholder Manager, in an interview said they were looking forward to being provided a fair opportunity to participate in planning, design and construction of infrastructure projects in Fiji. “Collaborations in the shape of Private Public Partnership (PPP) or Build Operate Transfer (BOT) could also be considered by the company’s investment arm.”
Prior to the commencement of the Mba Delta Ironsands Project, FHC had carried out seawall construction work at Kiuva Village.
The role of FHC Fiji Branch so far has been to carry out construction, civil engineering and architectural design.
“Our broader scope covers transportation, petrochemical, electric power, architecture, public works and hydraulic works.”
The Mba Delta Ironsands project extensively involved all aspects of civil engineering, marine engineering and construction.
Mr Singh said: “During the Mba Delta Ironsands project construction period several local companies have benefitted from the project in terms of supply of materials. “Local reinforcement steel suppliers and concrete mix suppliers saw unprecedented volumes of orders from this project.
“Heavy machinery including excavators, compaction equipment, rollers, cranes, hiab trucks, dumper trucks, loaders, forklifts and other assorted equipment were hired from local suppliers for earthworks and a few companies were also subcontracted for steel and concrete fabrication works.
“Local testing institutions were engaged throughout the project period for high quality results.
“The company is proud to have worked with them and looks forward to maintaining healthy business relationships with such businesses even after the completion of this project, hopefully to be engaged again on our next undertaking in Fiji.
“Over the overall construction period, around 400 personnel have been employed on the project. However, this number was spread across the various stages and at varying times depending on the need at each stage of construction. “Currently, we have seven local staff still with the company to continue running the company, without any other current project, largely for future projects.”
Mr Singh said a significant number of personnel were brought in from China as they possessed required skill and expertise. “Projects of this magnitude often require technicians and professionals.
The company acknowledges and appreciates the prompt facilitation of work permits for incoming workers by the Fiji Immigration Department.”
Relationship with AMEX
FHC has enjoyed a largely sound relationship with Amex Resources Ltd outside of the more formal Employer-Contractor contractual relationship.
“Working on this project, which is unique to Fiji, has been a challenging experience and also a vital learning curve as we worked hard to overcome constraints to achieve targets.
“We acknowledge the assistance and facilitation on many aspects from Amex, especially when dealing with local authorities like the Lautoka City Council.”
Mr Singh highlighted: AMEX project
■Co■structio■ process, time tak
en to finish the AMEX project
■The time taken to build and complete this project was about three years.
■This project was an Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) project.
■The design specifications were given by Amex which underwent revision and optimisation before the construction commenced. Earthworks began in May 2017 whereby the topmost layer of soil was removed and new material was filled and compacted.
■The■, pile driving commenced. This was an enormous task due to the underlying geological conditions which made piling difficult.
■After that, the Storage Shed foundation was laid followed by the steel structure and cladding.
■Mea■whi●e, pile driving for the wharf berth wall began and this was also a difficult task also due to the underlying conditions.
■O■ce the King Piles and Sheet Piles were driven to design elevation, the construction of the concrete Berth Wall began.
■Vast amounts of steel was sourced locally and expert workers completed steel-fixing work before
pouring of concrete for the Berth Wall and Wharf Pavement.
■The Filtration Plant was installed along with the conveyor belts leading from the Filtration Plant to the Storage Shed, and from the Storage Shed to the Shiploader.
■The Administration Building, Workshop, Workshop Ablution Building, Laboratory and Control Room Building, Guardhouse, Workshop & Stores Building, Lunch Shed Building and Training Facility formed part of the Port Site layout.
■A●● this was constructed by FHC. Site surface construction works involved excavation of the old top layer of soil and backfill and compaction with aggregate as per design specifications.
■A●● electrical works have been compliant with Energy Fiji Limited’s standards and fully passed by EFL.
■However, the Port Site was not connected to the EFL grid as Amex would use generators for their operations.
■Five generator sets were supplied, installed and commissioned by FHC.
■A●● construction, both on land
and over waters were carried out in full compliance with environmental protection laws and project works fully abided by the approved and adopted Environment Management Plan, approved by Amex.
COVID-19
COVID-19 did affect the company’s operations to some extent.
“Most of our management and technical staff had returned to China for the Chinese New Year holidays and then due to COVID-19 travel restrictions they were unable to return to Fiji.
“Some major works on Site were subsequently delayed and we had to reorganise works with the available team.
“FHC did not lay off any local staff despite the lockdown being in force, and we actually fully implemented the ‘work from home’ idea.”
Investments, future operations
Moving forward, Mr Singh said FHC was keen on exploring opportunities in port development, infrastructure including roads, bridges, terminals, communication infrastructure, etc.
“The company’s investment arm in China could even look at prospects where we could collaborate or partner with local developers or even the Fijian Government and actually consider investing in projects.
“Infrastructure development is any country’s most vital pathway to growth and prosperity.
“We would definitely like to be part of Fiji’s growth and development.
“So it is vital that we begin seeking new challenges and begin talking to important stakeholders. “Investing in Fiji is certainly in the company’s plans and the investment arm in China is fully supportive of this.”