With the successful installation of the last 18-meter-long steel reinforcement bars and the smooth completion of the concrete pouring on Nov 21, the permanent diaphragm or partition wall, for a dry dock at the King Salman International Complex in Saudi Arabia was successfully completed.

The installation also marked the completion of the permanent diaphragm walls for the two dry docks of the project.

POWERCHINA workers celebrate the completion of the permanent diaphragm for a dry dock at the King Salman International Complex in Saudi Arabia. [Photo/POWERCHINA]

The King Salman International Complex is located on the coast of the Arabian Gulf in eastern Saudi Arabia. The general EPC -- or engineering procurement construction contract -- for it was awarded to SEPCO and Sinohydro, both subsidiaries of POWERCHINA.

With a contract value of more than $3 billion, it is financially the biggest international project ever won by POWERCHINA.

After the project is completed, it is expected to drive growth of Saudi Arabia's gross domestic product growth by $17 billion, replace imports of $12 billion, create 80,000 jobs and become a powerful new engine for Saudi economic and social development.

As an underground concrete continuous wall set on the four walls of the dock, the main function of the permanent diaphragm wall is to isolate the seawater outside the foundation pit from intruding into the dock, thereby creating dry land operating conditions inside.

The completion of the work was of great importance and directly affected the main line of the project schedule.

It fully demonstrated the strong technical strength and contract performance capabilities of POWERCHINA and was of great significance for further enhancing the recognition and reputation of the POWERCHINA brand in the Middle East market.