International engineering, consulting, and operating company Egis has been appointed by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) to provide Project and Construction Management Consultancy (PMCM) services for the design and construction of the coral nurseries for the Reefscape Restoration Initiative.
The initiative is aimed at accelerating and enhancing coral reef restoration, enabling Saudi Arabia to strengthen the resilience of the Red Sea coral.
In collaboration with NEOM, KAUST is set to establish the world’s largest Coral Reef Restoration Initiative at Shushah Island, located approximately 16 km offshore.
This initiative will see the implementation of a comprehensive approach to coral conservation through protection, enhancement, and restoration, supported by a robust habitat enhancement program.
Egis will place a key role in the construction of the two main facilities: the Primary Coral Nursery (PCN) and the Development Coral Nursery (DCN).
The two facilities are integral to restoring priority sites within the identified 100-hectare area.
The PCN will serve as a cornerstone for the initiative and has the capacity to grow up to 400,000 corals annually.
Simultaneously, the DCN, planned to be commissioned in the first quarter of 2024 will act as a temporary facility, accelerating coral growth and personnel training, and will also be a testing ground for innovative coral farming technologies.
Commenting on the initiative, Amr Atiah, Director of Special Projects, KAUST, said: “KAUST Reefscape Restoration Initiative team is excited to be partnering with Egis to deliver the world’s largest coral nursery as part of the reefscape restoration initiative at Shushah Island. The extensive capabilities and expertise that Egis bring will help KAUST to complete the construction of this technologically advanced facility as per the design specifications.”
“Egis is proud to accompany KAUST on this project, which is perfectly in line with its climate and sustainable development strategy. As we undertake this assignment for the KAUST Reefscape Restoration Initiative, our goal is to take part to the preservation of these invaluable underwater habitats, ensuring a sustainable future for marine life. Leveraging Egis’ 70-plus years of experience in the water, marine and environment sectors, we are committed to contribute to a resilient future for our marine environments,” added Laure Russier, Middle East Director for Water, Ports, Marine Environment and Energy.
This assignment follows a series of other projects undertaken by Egis in NEOM since early 2022, particularly on Shushah Island.
Notable projects include land and marine environmental studies, coral transplantation, and water and port infrastructure design studies.