The Indian Navy has appointed AECOM as the project management consultant for its prestigious Project Seabird – Phase IIA. The largest naval infrastructure project for India, it involves creation of a naval base at Karwar on the west coast of India. Upon completion, this $3 billion program and effort will provide the Indian Navy with its largest naval base on the west coast and also the largest naval base east of the Suez Canal.
During the decade-long project, AECOM will manage and oversee the planning, design, contracting, construction and acceptance of the entire works, including construction of a new Naval Air Station.
The new and expanded naval complex will be able to support several major warships and submarines and yard crafts. A specialised dockyard repair and maintenance facilities (with piers, wharfs, revetments, quay walls, etc.), covered dry berths for ships and submarines, new technologically advanced security and communication systems, a Naval Air Station (including multiple runways, hangars, housing, ordnance handling areas, services, personnel support infrastructure, etc.), various utilities systems as well as housing and residential complexes at multiple locations are some of the other facilities that the base will feature.
Located on a partially hilly terrain along the coast, the project involves several technical and environmental challenges. A significant amount of site work will have to be carried out as portion of the area in the sea will be reclaimed. Additionally the facilities have to be built on a hilly terrain. AECOM will draw upon its technical expertise to carry out this work while ensuring least disruption to the environment.