Environmental innovation on the extension of Monaco

The 2019 Extra-Financial Performance Declaration (DPEF 2019) details specifically how the insertion into the environment – the respect of the marine environment (Larvotto and Spélugues reserves) in particular – was given a particular attention for the urbanization project at sea Anse du Portier in Monaco, in which Eiffage Génie Civil Marine’s teams took part and which will be completed this summer.

Eiffage Génie Civil Marine’s team have contributed there, to the creation of a 6,5ha platform by operating the transport (From Marseille), the immersion and the installation of 18 reinforced concrete caissons of 10,000 tons each, in order to create an extension of the land over the sea. The use of construction equipment, of marine spread, and refueling operations have been identified as potential sources of oil pollution.

In addition, while refueling at sea was initially prohibited on the project (although it is quite a common practice on offshore projects around the world) the teams were able to obtain authorization to transfer Marine Gasoil from one vessel to another while afloat on site. This was achieved by multiplying the innovations in order to prevent the potential pollutions. Several devices have been mobilized after validation of the client and the Monaco Maritime Affairs department:

• Design and implementation of a checklist for refueling at sea, listing all the actions to be taken before and during operation in order to prevent any pollution.
• Deployment of an anti-pollution floating curtain around the supplier vessel, hooked up by a system of rails welded to the supplied vessel’s hull.
• Fuel tanks were equipped with particularly solid aviation-type fittings and hoses, with additional safety devices.
• Deployment of anti-pollution means (retention tanks and anti-pollution kits in large quantities), and fire-fighting (extinguisher, fire hose).
• Installation of a high-density polyethylene channel (HDPE) to serve as an antipollution barrier between the two maritime units.
• Equipment of a “oil skimmer” (device for recovering oil on the water surface) and specific training courses provided the team regarding the use of the device.

Furthermore, 16 people were trained by the CEDRE which is an organization that is specialized in the fight against accidental pollutions (by oil for instance) in port areas. 14 antipollution drills (including two in real situation) have been carried out, with the objective of zero impact at sea.

To find out more about these innovations, read the 2019 Extra-Financial Performance Declaration (DPEF 2019) integrated into the universal registration document (from page 296): https://licence.publishpaper.com/publications/787c801e-d9c5-49af-823d-5eb318cb81fe/#page-1

Photos Credit : Eiffage Génie Civil