Champerico

A new port to boost economic development in Guatemala

Our client
Champerico Fishery Port in Guatemala is in dire need of upgrading. The only jetty dates from 1860 and is used to launch fishing boats - a dangerous business, especially in bad weather. Champerico is home to approximately 6,000 people, many of which who work as fishermen or in the nearby shrimp nurseries.

In 2007, Empresa Portuaria Nacional de Champerico awards Van Oord a contract for the development of what will essentially be a new port. The contract is signed in the presence of the Guatemalan President and is the project is co-financed by the Dutch government.

Our work
Besides two jetties of 150 m each and several breakwaters, a 130 m. long sheetpile wall will be constructed. Dredging takes a back seat in this project and will be limited to 490.000 m³. The breakwaters are made using 270.000 tonnes of rock from the inland rivers. Construction of the breakwaters began in April 2008 and was finished by the middle of July 2008.

The concrete units that will protect the breakwater are being made on the site itself. For that purpose a concrete plant was brought to the site. Champerico will be the first location on the Pacific where Xblocs, designed by Delta Marine Consultants (DMC) - a BAM subsidiary - have been installed. For more information concerning Xblocs: www.xbloc.com