MULTIPURPOSE CONTAINER TERMINAL IN PLOCE PORT

The construction of a big multipurpose bulk-cargo container terminal, and the upgrade and extension of the transport and power-supply infrastructure, is to be undertaken in the scope of the Ploce Port development activities. The construction of the container terminal (the so called Waterfront 7), supported by the World Bank, is currently under way. This waterfront, with the draught of 13.5 m, is built on the soft Neretva River deposits, and the foundation work includes a number of drilled vertical and batter piles, while the coastal zone is strengthened with gravel piles. To reduce the quantity of underwater works, the decision was made to start with pile driving, and to proceed with sea bottom and waterfront slope excavation. Then the prestressed reinforced concrete girders are placed on pile caps. These girders are topped with box elements of the floor structure, which are monolithized with fibre reinforced concrete. The construction is nearing completion and the works are expected to end in early 2010. Simultaneously with this activity, preparations are made in the nearby zone to start construction of the new bulk cargo terminal.