Terra et Aqua: New Form of Cooperation Between Clients and Contractors (The Netherlands)

In any given year myriad conferences take place worldwide on a diversity of subjects that impact dredging and maritime construction projects. Attending these dredging and maritime conferences, and perusing through their proceedings, provides a significant source of Terra articles. One state-of-the-art, upcoming conference is already on Terra’s radar.

In a cooperative effort, the Central Dredging Association (CEDA) and the International Association of Dredging Companies (IADC) have joined forces to launch an unusual, new conference entitled, “Forum on Early Contractor Involvement”, or ECI for short. Schedule to take place June 23-24, 2011 at the Hilton London Docklands, this forum represents the recognition by a diverse group of professionals that the sooner contractors become involved with a project, the better it is for everyone – the project owner, the public and other stakeholders. The theme, “Partnering Creates Possibilities”, says it clearly – but when is ECI an appropriate solution? And how does ECI work?

A broad range of speakers representing clients, consultants, lawyers and engineers will launch the subject. After the presenters lay the groundwork, interactive, facilitated workshops will follow: Audience participation is a must. In this way, all attendees – financiers, insurers, engineers, government agents, contractors, consultants and project owners will get a chance to share their experiences and tackle the questions about the shared risks and responsibilities implicit in ECI. The principal question is: How can ECI help create a future where one can advance “maritime solutions for a changing world”, as Terra’s motto states, in the best, most cost-effective way.

In this issue of Terra et Aqua you will find articles reflecting the ECI theme: One on the proposed Fehmarnbelt Link which will connect Denmark and Germany (Peter Lundhus, one of the authors will be the Keynoter) where environmental, technical and other studies are still being prepared; a global status survey of the contaminated sediment policies, so crucial to the execution of dredging works; and one in which the necessity for the characterisation of bed materials early on in a project is emphasised. As reflected in these articles, “early contractor involvement” is more than a conference theme. It is a path to successfully executing mega projects where complexities and environmental considerations continue to challenge our best and brightest minds.

[mappress]

Source: terra-et-aqua, June 3, 2011;