Container terminal progressing

The CHEC projects are valued at about N$3.44 billion and the whole project is valued at about N$4 billion.
Nampost has indicated that as is the case with all large project, this project is not without risks or challenges and before the project commenced they had already identified several risks to the project which required careful mitigation measures.
They had identified one of their biggest risks as the unique geotechnical conditions below the seabed at the project site and how these conditions might affect the long term settlements on the pavement as well as its effect on the deep foundations. Even though they had already chosen the project site for its relatively good geotechnical conditions compared to other areas in the bay, the prevailing geotechnical conditions at the site still required careful risk mitigation
NamPort explained that the difficult geotechnical conditions arise primarily due to a 25m thick diatomaceous silt layer that starts at approximately 20m below the seabed, which is a layer of dead organic matter and its behavior is generally not well understood.
Namport mainly has an issue with the diatomaceous silt layer found in Walvis Bay because it is uncommon worldwide and research into the engineering properties of this type of silts are limited. Because of this dilema CHEC spent nearly six months doing additional geotechnical investigations and research on this diatomaceous silt layer.
They encountered more difficulties while they where installing deep piled foundations that support the new quay wall, which require remedial work and changes to standard installation methods. NamPort together with CHEC are working to minimize the effect of the delay on the overall project completion date.
NamPort had planned to commission the new container terminal in the first half of 2018, but it now appears likely that commissioning will only be in the second half of 2018, but they are working to minimize the schedule impact of these delays and remain confident that the project will be completed successfully within 2018.