Atkins and CHEC on the Colombo Port City Project

Atkins has been appointed by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) to assess the opportunity of incorporating a marina into the proposed 2.5sqkm mixed use Colombo Port City development in Sri Lanka.

The study is multifaceted and will establish the overall demand for marina facilities, the size of the marina, appropriate berthing mix and seek to optimize its configuration. The study will include the hydraulic modeling of the effect of the marina breakwater on the near shore coastal conditions and the adjacent Beira Lake stormwater outlet.

A multidisciplinary team of economists, urban planners, urban designers, marina designers and water and coastal engineers from Atkins’ Asia Pacific and UK businesses is involved in the project, which will focus on three key areas:

• a market study of the marina sector in the region to estimate current and future levels of demand for sailing and motor boat facilities and to identify the boat types, sizes and traffic expected at the marina. Atkins is working closely with a number of internationally renowned marina operators to ensure the outcomes of the work are realistic and implementable.
• a layout plan for the marina which maximizes the capacity and efficiency of berths based on the market study as well as a concept plan for the landside facilities such as a club house, boat storage, maintenance and repair workshops along with commercial activities in retail, residential and hotel accommodation.
• a concept design of the breakwater to provide an active and attractive setting for the marina facilities.

The target users of the marina facilities include the high net worth individuals purchasing the high end residential property which forms a major component of the Port City concept, local sailing and motor boat enthusiasts, visiting international yachts and commercial tourist operators active in a wide range of water based activities in Sri Lanka including whale and dolphin watching, sports fishing, diving and marine safaris.

Colombo Port City is the biggest property development project for CHEC.

Press Release