Cofferdam construction in Sakhalin, Siberia

Voorbij Funderingstechniek was approached by Van Oord Offshore in the summer of 2004 for a cofferdam construction in Sakhalin. This 150-metre temporary construction in the sea will be used in the landfall of a pipeline for oil from undersea wells.

Bringing a pipeline of this kind ashore requires a trench to be dug in the beach to receive the pipeline. A cofferdam (two parallel walls of sheet piling perpendicular to the coast) is needed when digging a trench. The piling is to have two wings on the seaward side to protect the beach. The job is technically feasible, but the location is a challenge. Sakhalin is a sparsely populated sprawling area with limited infrastructure and an extreme climate (with severe winters).

The motive for Van Oord Offshore to approach our company was our reputation for sticking to agreements, which is vital when facing these sorts of challenges. For us, the project is an excellent opportunity to strengthen our relationship with this customer, we are drawn to the challenge, and we hope to put Voorbij Funderingstechniek in a favourable position for similar projects.

Click here for additional information about progress on this project.