Belgian-French construction group BESIX and Dutch dredging and heavylift company Boskalis have been announced as the first European contractors to be awarded a design and build lump sum contract by NEOM to work on the first phase of development for the Port of NEOM project. 

BESIX will work in partnership with local partner Modern Building Leaders (MBL). Together, the companies will be  responsible for the design and build of nearly two miles of quay walls of variant types. Boskalis will be responsible for the deepening and widening of the main access channel. Located on the Red Sea, near the Suez Canal, the port is the primary seaport entry to NEOM. It is currently Duba Port, which is one of Saudi Arabia’s smallest in terms of goods handling. This development aims to transform the existing port to become the world’s most technologically advanced, efficient, and sustainable. 

The Port of NEOM will be surrounded by Oxagon, a planned floating city that is part of the NEOM project. It was announced in December of last year. The city will be formed by a series of floating squares connected by a network of canals. It will feature factories, logistics centers, and housing for up to 90,000 residents. 

According to BESIX, the total contract’s value is around three billion Saudi riyals, which is equivalent to about $800 million. The company aims to ensure a lowest possible carbon footprint, implement a robust Environmental Management System, use innovative construction methods and elements, and integrate responsible and sustainable procurement. 

As stated by BESIX General Manager Peter Lembrechts, “This project marks the company’s exciting return to Saudi Arabia where we will utilize our extensive experience to build the vital infrastructure needed for this visionary port. We would like to thank NEOM and the selection committee for entrusting us with this project and look forward to working with all partners to make this vision a reality.”

The first terminal at the Port of NEOM is expected to open in 2025. When complete, the port will operate at net carbon zero levels with 100% renewable energy.