BergerWorld: 2nd Quarter 2008

Boubyan is Kuwait's largest island. Located in the northeastern part of the country, the 1,400-square-kilometer island is separated from the mainland by the Subiya Channel. Long undeveloped due to its poor soil conditions, the government of Kuwait recently approved a multi-billion dollar plan to develop Boubyan Island into a commercial seaport to serve as the main gateway for Kuwait, Iraq and the surrounding region.

The Berger Group, in association with Al-Shaheen Consultants, was commissioned by the Mega Projects Sector of the Ministry of Public Works to provide design reviews and construction supervision services for a new 35-kilometer, three-lane bridge and road network connecting Boubyan Island to Kuwait's mainland, a 1.5-kilometer road bridge over Khor Subya, a 4.5-kilometer rail bridge and a number of other related highway structures. Berger's duties include reviewing, monitoring and supervising an extensive program of on-island and offshore soil investigations, as well as topographical and bathymetric surveys; reviewing and approving all final designs; recommending environmental mitigation measures to meet local and international standards; and supervising the works. Following the completion of the $117 million project in 2011, Berger will conduct a final inspection and commission the works program.