DHV has won a contract to improve navigability of 250km of the Mekong River in Vietnam. The work involves construction or restoration of 18 bridges as well as provision of a new lock and widening and deepening of the river.
Many of the bridges currently spanning the river are too low and the river is unsuitable for inland water transportation. DHV director of ports and waterways Ben Reeskamp said that the project represents a strong boost for the economy. "It will result in an important traffic artery on which large ships will be able to navigate and commerce will flourish. Our experience in the Netherlands teaches us that inland water transportation also offers a sustainable alternative to road transportation."
Two of the 18 bridges covered by the project are a few hundred metres long.
DHV expects the project to be completed in early 2014. It is being financed by the World Bank and the costs amount to about US$143 million.
