ARCHIRODON to Build Bridge to Main Hub Island at Red Sea Project

The bridge will stretch a total of 1.2km across the Red Sea, with two small 36-meter sections at each end of the crossing. (SPA)
The bridge will stretch a total of 1.2km across the Red Sea, with two small 36-meter sections at each end of the crossing. (SPA)
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ARCHIRODON to Build Bridge to Main Hub Island at Red Sea Project

The bridge will stretch a total of 1.2km across the Red Sea, with two small 36-meter sections at each end of the crossing. (SPA)
The bridge will stretch a total of 1.2km across the Red Sea, with two small 36-meter sections at each end of the crossing. (SPA)

The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC) has appointed ARCHIRODON to design and build a 1.2km iconic bridge, which is part of the 3.3km crossing to its main hub island, Shurayrah.

TRSDC CEO John Pagano said that ARCHIRODON, a leading EPC global Group, will provide engineering, procurement and construction support to complete the building of Shurayrah bridge.

The bridge will stretch a total of 1.2km across the Red Sea, with two small 36-meter sections at each end of the crossing to allow for movement of marine mammals.

He said Shurayrah Bridge will become one of the main access points for guests onto the island, and its completion will mark a major undertaking in the development of the destination.

Its construction is truly monumental as not only will the bridge be the very first connection to the islands, its construction will demonstrate our ability to accomplish huge feats of engineering whilst also protecting and enhancing the natural habitat, he added, according to a statement.

He stressed that the bridge design and construction methods meet TRSDC’s strict criteria for sustainable development, which includes strict controls on the prevention of any sediment movement from piling activities with multiple monitoring buoys strategically sited to alert any breakthrough from surface booms.

A precast yard for bridge sections will be established near the coast to minimize travel distances with concrete sourced from on-site batching plants. The contract follows major marine enabling works carried out by the company across the development last year, which have helped underpin the successful delivery of the project by providing a solid foundation to ensure the efficient movement of people, materials and equipment in and around the destination, while safeguarding the sensitive ecological environment.

ARCHIRODON Group CEO Dennis Karapiperis said the firm was proud of being part of this prestigious development for Shurayrah Bridge with the TRSDC.

The move will not only make this unique island destination accessible for visitors, but also have sustainable techniques embedded within every element of its design to ensure the delicate ecological environment is protected and even enhanced, he stressed.



Virgin Group Says Aims to Raise $900 Million for Rail Service Bid

FILE PHOTO: Passengers wait at the Eurostar terminal in St. Pancras International Station, in London, Britain, July 26, 2024. REUTERS/Leila Dougan/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Passengers wait at the Eurostar terminal in St. Pancras International Station, in London, Britain, July 26, 2024. REUTERS/Leila Dougan/File Photo
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Virgin Group Says Aims to Raise $900 Million for Rail Service Bid

FILE PHOTO: Passengers wait at the Eurostar terminal in St. Pancras International Station, in London, Britain, July 26, 2024. REUTERS/Leila Dougan/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Passengers wait at the Eurostar terminal in St. Pancras International Station, in London, Britain, July 26, 2024. REUTERS/Leila Dougan/File Photo

British billionaire Richard Branson's Virgin Group aims to raise 700 million pounds ($900 million) to fund its plan to launch cross-channel rail services as it looks to compete with Eurostar, the company said on Sunday.

Virgin, which used to operate intercity train services in Britain, plans to launch services that would connect London with Paris and Brussels. It would also extend to Amsterdam in the future.

Virgin Group intends to raise 300 million pounds in equity and 400 million pounds in debt, the company told Reuters, confirming a report in Financial Times, which was the first to report on the news.

It also plans to be a cornerstone equity investor in the project.
Virgin's plans are for a high-frequency service, which would be the first direct rival to Eurostar's 30-year-old network and could launch as soon as 2029, the company said.
"The cross-Channel route is ripe for change and would benefit from competition," a spokesperson said in an emailed statement.
"While Virgin is not committing to launching a service just yet, we are seeking investment from likeminded partners to invest alongside Virgin and we are delighted with the progress made so far," the company said.
Eurostar told the FT it welcomed the development of rail services in Europe, adding that "competition in the high-speed rail sector is another example of the growing demand for rail transport in Europe."
Eurostar did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.