IRON ORE EXPORT JETTY AT MOCAMEDES, ANGOLA FOR 200,000DWT ORE CARRIERS

The author supervised the construction of the Iron Ore Export Facilities at Mocamedes, Angola during 1966-67. This deep water berth can accommodate up to 200,000 DWT ore carriers and has already handled more than six million tons of ore annually. It is thus the largest bulk mineral export harbour in Southern Africa. The paper describes the construction of a 75 cm thick post tensioned slab supported on piles up to 44m long, and the installation of massive gravity fenders to absorb the berthing impact of 200,000 DWT ships. The paper further deals with the organizational aspects of the project, which was built under primitive conditions on the coast of the desert in Southern Africa, and how careful pre-planning ensured completion of the jetty twelve months after the first pile was driven. The financial aspects of the contract were interesting because uncertainties about local conditions led to the award of the contract on a cost-plus basis, tied to a target figure. In the final analysis a saving on the target was achieved and both Client and Contractor benefited. The harbour complex was part of the R50 million development of the Cassinga Iron Ore Mines in Southern Angola and was built by "Contractors Finance" by a consortium of European Contractors, which undertook the mining developments, railway construction as well as harbour works.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Presented at the Engineering Committee on Oceanic Resources Symposium on The Ocean's Challenge to South African Engineers.
• Corporate Authors:

  National Academy of Sciences

  Marine Board, Engineering Committee on Oceanic Resources
  Washington, DC  United States  20418
• Authors:
  • Norgaard, E
• Publication Date: 1972-11

Media Info

• Pagination: 7 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Deepwater harbors; Ore terminals; Piers (Supports); Piers (Wharves); Port structures
• Subject Areas: Freight Transportation; Marine Transportation; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00044298
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ECOR/Marine Board
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 11 1973 12:00AM