The Port of Salalah retained COWI UAE to perform a feasibility study to dredge an additional 2.5 meters at these facilities and an investigation was required.  OCC mobilized a full surface supplied dive station, an engineer-diver, and a dive supervisor to Oman to assist COWI in the inspection.

Berths 21-24 are constructed of precast concrete caisson bulkhead that supports a cast-in-place concrete cap.  It measures approximately 2,400 linear feet and is currently dredged to approximately 40 feet deep.  The LHB consists of four (4) precast concrete caissons that comprise the mooring and breasting structures and support the catwalks and manifold platform.  This berth is also currently dredged to approximately 40 feet deep.

The diving operation was conducted by a three-person inspection team consisting of a Professional Engineer-Diver, an Engineer-Diver, and a Diver-Technician.  Diving inspections were conducted using surface-supplied diving equipment with full-time hardwire communication between the diver and topside personnel. 

The primary objective of the investigation was to assess the existing condition of the structure to determine the improvements required to accommodate the additional dredge depth.  The underwater investigation included a Level I inspection effort on 100% of the structure and a Level II inspection effort on approximately 10% of the structure.