Completion of the Fourth Phase of the Nelson Mandela Dock Extension

Project Overview

The Port Authority of Las Palmas announced in August that it has completed the construction of the backfill for the fourth phase of the Nelson Mandela Dock extension, commonly known as the ‘Sphinx Dock’. This structure is described as “an essential element of a vertical jetty, responsible for providing shelter to the future berthing line”.

With this progress, the project is now “in its final stretch” as it moves to the execution of the superstructure, which “will enable safe berthing of vessels,” according to the statement.

Extension Details

The extension involves lengthening the existing Nelson Mandela Dock by 238.50 metres to the south, featuring a dock with a depth of 25 metres and a manoeuvring area 18.25 metres wide.

In total, four floating concrete caissons have been constructed, alongside the reuse of three caissons from the old hammer structure of the Nelson Mandela Dock, which were refloated and anchored in their new position.

The project, with an awarded budget of €25,324,430.88, is co-financed by the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), contributing approximately 80% of the total investment. As of now, the project is over 80% complete.

Key Milestones in Construction

The construction of a vertical jetty like the Sphinx involves three key milestones:
1. **Anchoring of floating caissons** – This allows the infrastructure to emerge.
2. **Execution of the backfill** – This protects the future berthing line.
3. **Construction of the superstructure** – This incorporates all necessary elements for vessels to operate safely.

In this instance, the backfill was raised in three successive phases:

• The first phase, the base slab, is embedded within the caissons and becomes barely visible once completed.
• The second phase, being more slender, included the ducts and service gallery intended for fuel pipelines.
• The third and final phase, of lesser volume, resulted in the wave breaker, which protects the structure from waves. A custom sliding formwork was designed for this phase to achieve the exact geometry specified in the project.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Regarding the challenges of this milestone, Antonia Bordón, Head of Technical Territory Management at the Port Authority, remarked: “Raising a backfill is always one of the most complex phases as it is entirely exposed to the sea’s force. We have often had to slow down or even suspend work due to bad weather. Now, with the backfill completed, we can proceed with the rest of the project with greater safety and reassurance, as the dock is protected from wave action.”

The Port Authority of Las Palmas highlights that, in addition to improving the shelter conditions of the Africa Dock, this extension will significantly increase the port’s capacity to operate with large tanker vessels, including VLCCs (Very Large Crude Carriers).

Consequently, maritime transport costs will decrease due to economies of scale, enhancing the position of the Port of Las Palmas as a strategic hub for bunkering and international goods transit.

Significance of the Development

Beatriz Calzada, President of the Port Authority of Las Palmas, emphasised the importance of this new development: “With the completion of the backfill, we reach a new milestone in the extension of the Sphinx Dock. This is a key piece of infrastructure to increase the berthing capacity of the Port of Las Palmas and consolidate its role as a logistics and energy hub in the Central Atlantic. This project also reflects our commitment to the sustainable and competitive growth of our facilities.”

With the project entering its final phase, the extension of the Sphinx Dock will become fully operational, ready to meet the growing demands of international maritime traffic and reinforcing the strategic role of the Port of Las Palmas.