LHI to engage in hydraulic design in UAE Port

by Hiran H. Senewiratne

The Lanka Hydraulic Institute (LHI), a leading hydraulic designing and physical modelling entity will design the breakwater system of the Ras Al Khaimah Port in the United Arab Emirates. this is the largest up coming port in Middle Eastern region.

LHI got the contract to design the breakwater system of the Port, which is situated in the Almarjan Island and expected get more business opportunities in that country as many development projects are in progress, its Chief Executive/Director Malith Mendis said.

He said that from this contract LHI expects to earn Rs. five million, as it was one of the major projects undertaken by the Institute.

The Institute carried out designed and testing at the Bosan Harbour project in South Korea while it also got a major contract in Maldives to do physical modelling testing of Modufinolhu Island which was affected by the tsunami.

The LHI is currently focusing its business in Middle East and it launched its brand in the Arabian Coast 2005 Conference in Dubai.

With the expansions of Indian Ports, LHI is also targeting them. The Institute has already obtained the contract to design the Gangavaram Port, he said.

LHI has designed three harbour projects in Hikkaduwa, Mirissa and Kudawella and Arugambay Bridge, which were affected by the tsunami. The total cost of the three harbour projects will be US$ 35 million, which is a USAID project.

Mendis also said that Colombo South Harbour project was the major project undertaken by LHI to do physical modelling and hydraulic engineering work. The country saved a considerable amount of money for testing of the Colombo South Harbour project because of LHI testing capabilities. The harbour is likely to commence its construction work very soon, he said.

LHI is one of the few organisations in the country that provide PHD level physical testing and modelling for most of the major construction work. It has web-com access and virtual work space facility via Internet.

The Institute also works with world leading physical modelling and hydraulic design companies like Scottwilson, Holcrow and Haskoning companies and also closely work with the University of Moratuwa.