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PORTUGAL – First Section of the High-Speed Rail awarded to the LusoLav consortium |
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On October 10th, during a ceremony presided over by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Infrastructures and Housing, the government awarded the Concession Contract for the High-Speed Railway Line between Porto (Campanhã) and Oiã to the LusoLav consortium, led by Mota-Engil. This award marks the first of three phases of the new High-Speed Rail connection between Porto and Lisbon. This contract is the result of the recommendations from an independent jury, which advised the award of this section of the high-speed railway line to Mota-Engil and its partners, which include five other Portuguese construction companies: Teixeira Duarte, Casais, Alves Ribeiro, Conduril, and Gabriel A.S. Couto. For the COBA Group, it is both an honour and a challenge to be part of the design consortium that will develop the studies for this extraordinary project. |
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Lx, 10 October 2024
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MOZAMBIQUE - Inauguration of the Pemba Water Supply System |
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Last August, the city of Pemba, Mozambique, celebrated the inauguration of its new water supply system, a significant milestone for the local community. The ceremony was attended by the President of the Republic of Mozambique, who presided over the event, along with the Minister of Public Works, Housing, and Water Resources. COBA, as the leader of the Consortium responsible for the design and construction supervision, was also present. The new water supply system promises to significantly improve the quality of life for the residents of Pemba, ensuring more reliable and efficient access to clean drinking water. The implementation of this system is a crucial step towards the sustainable development of the region, contributing to public health and the well-being of the population. COBA reaffirms its commitment to promoting development and improving infrastructures in Mozambique. |
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Lx, 20 September 2024
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PORTUGAL - Neves Corvo Mine – Somincor - Cerro do Lobo TSF Expansion Project |
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COBA is developing for SOMINCOR (Lundin Mining) the Detailed Design, Technical Assistance and Construction Supervision of the Southern Expansion of the Cerro do Lobo Tailings Facility. The Neves-Corvo mine is located in the Alentejo district, approximately 15 km from the town of Castro Verde, and primarily produces copper, zinc, and lead concentrates. The expansion project of the tailings facility involves the construction of a dam and four reservoirs using earth-rock fill, as well as the installation of waterproofing and drainage systems, instrumentation, and auxiliary infrastructure - including access roads, canals and pipelines for tailings transport. The project allows for an increase in the current tailings deposition area from 187.9 hectares by an additional 18.5 hectares. Works include:
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Lx, 13 September 2024
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PORTUGAL - COBA marked its presence at the Event of the Year in Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering - ECSMGE 2024 |
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The XVIII European Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ECSMGE 2024), held at the MEO Arena in Lisbon from 26 to 30 August, stood out as the event of the year in the field of geotechnical engineering and soil mechanics. Bringing together experts and professionals from around the world, the conference served as a crucial platform for the exchange of knowledge and technological innovations. COBA, contributing its extensive experience in infrastructure projects and geotechnical solutions, reinforced the importance of Portuguese participation at international level. The company participated actively in the event with a stand at the technical exhibition and three technical contributions presented at the congress. “Lot 2: Lisbon Metro extension between Santos station and the terminal of Cais do Sodré station. Geological and geotechnical model and parameterization” (presented by Jorge Bento); “Extension of the Lisbon Subway between Santos Station and the Terminal of the Cais do Sodré Station - Assessment of excavation induced damage in buildings” (presented by Francisco Bernardo); “Geotechnical and Structural Design of Primary Support for Shaft and Tunnelling Construction Works at Santos Station-Lisbon Subway - A 3D FE Modelling Approach” (presented by Mário Unas). COBA's presence was ensured by the colleagues Raúl Pistone, Sandra Ferreira, Jorge Bento, Francisco Bernardo, and Matheus Schaefer. |
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Lx, 2 September 2024
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PORTUGAL - Navigability of the Tagus Estuary to Castanheira do Ribatejo |
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The detailed design to improve the Navigability of the Tagus Estuary up to Castanheira do Ribatejo aims to facilitate river transport between the Port of Lisbon and the Castanheira do Ribatejo logistics platform. The intervention involves deepening the navigation channel between these two points over a distance of approximately 30 km, to enable river transport via barges. The goal is to create an effective alternative to rail and road transport, thus significantly reducing the number of lorries on the roads, as a barge can carry between 80 and 100 containers, with clear environmental benefits. The COBA Group, responsible for preparing the Environmental Impact Assessment, conducted an innovative mission in the Tagus estuary on July 11. This involved characterising, with in situ recording, the water quality along the channel to be dredged, in the context of assessing the operation's impacts. This mission was supported by the Volunteer Firefighters of Vila Franca de Xira, represented by Mr. Alexandre and Mr. Pena Leve, to whom we express our gratitude for their support, dedication, professionalism, and competence. |
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Lx, 2 August 2024
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PORTUGAL - Presentation of the "Construction Foundation" |
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On July 25th, the Técnico Innovation Centre in Lisbon hosted the presentation of the "Construction Foundation." The event was attended by the Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, Miguel Pinto Luz. This is an important step towards strengthening collaboration and innovation in the construction sector in Portugal. The "Construction Foundation" promises to make a significant contribution to sustainable development and excellence in areas related to civil construction. As a founding member, the COBA Group was represented by Fernando Prioste, Alexandre Portugal, and Madalena Fernandes. |
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Lx, 29 July 2024
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TUNISIA - Heightening and Structural Rehabilitation of the Bou Heurtma Dam |
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The COBA Group participated in the provisional acceptance visit and the inauguration ceremony of the Bou Heurtma Dam, in the presence of the head of the Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Ressources Hydrauliques et de la Pêche Maritime of Tunisia. Representing COBA were José Cruz Morais and Paulo Soares, while Sónia Pinto represented Tetraplano. The Bou Heurtma Dam is an earthfill dam with a clay core, located on the Oued Bou Heurtma in Tunisia, approximately 20 km north of the city of Bou Salem. It was built in the 1970's with the purpose of ensuring water supply for irrigation. The studies conducted by COBA involved the installation of flap gates in the spillway, enabling a 3.5-meter increase of the reservoir’s full storage level and ensuring the regulation of inflow. This intervention resulted in a 23 hm³ increase in storage capacity to meet agricultural demand. The project also encompassed the rehabilitation of the existing spillway structures and their respective galleries, as well as the study for the installation of a new water intake tower. During the initial phase of the project, a safety assessment of the dam was conducted, which included analysis and testing campaigns covering geotechnical, structural, and equipment aspects. The subsequent phase focused on raising the spillway and rehabilitating most of the structures integrated into the dam. During the process, COBA was also requested to redefine SONEDE water supply pipeline. |
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Lx, 12 June 2024
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ANGOLA - Inauguration of the Luachimo Hydroelectric Power Plant |
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On May 17, 2024, the inauguration of the Luachimo Hydroelectric Power Plant took place in the province of Lunda Norte, Angola. The ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Energy and Water, João Baptista Borges, and attended by the governor of the province, Deolinda Vilarinho. COBA was represented by Fernando Prioste, António Pereira da Silva, and Nelson Barros. It is another hydroelectric project designed by COBA, with a capacity of 34 MW, whose studies and projects began in 2006 with the feasibility study phase. Progress continued with the submission of the tender design in 2014, and the completion of the detailed design and technical assistance to the works, ending in 2024 with the commissioning of the plant. It is an infrastructure of great importance for the economic and social development of the region, which will allow the regular supply of renewable energy to the city of Dundo and the surrounding area, previously supplied in a precarious manner through diesel generators.
The news report from Angolan Television TPA can be watched here. |
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Lx, 24 May 2024
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ANGOLA – 2nd Workshop of the Lubango Water Supply Masterplan |
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The 2nd Workshop of the Lubango Water Supply Masterplan, which is being developed by AdP Internacional and COBA, took place on March 13th. The event drew a diverse group of participants, including the National Water Directorate (DNA-MINEA), delegates from the Project Coordination Unit (UCP-MINEA), as well as the executive and technical teams of EPASHUÍLA, IRSEA, INRH and GABHIC. Representatives from the Provincial Government of Huíla, along with its Provincial Directors, the Municipal Administration of Lubango, universities, NGOs, and consultants ELECNOR and DAR, also attended. ADP Internacional was represented by its Huila-based team, which included the Team Leader, Project Manager, and members of the Board. COBA was represented by colleague Tatiana Fonseca. |
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Lx, 27 Mar 2024
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LUCAS Future |
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COBA is currently undertaking the LUCAS Future project for Eurostat. LUCAS Future is a strategic assessment aimed at shaping the sustainable future of the Land Use and Land Cover Survey (LUCAS), developing scenarios that consider political requirements, data usage, content, frequency, and legal challenges associated with access to private property. The legal basis for the LUCAS Future project is grounded in the need for compliance with EU policies and regulations governing the collection of statistical data and environmental monitoring. The project is structured into four main tasks with a total duration of six months, which includes overall and detailed project planning, followed by a comprehensive assessment of the current LUCAS survey methodology, data usage analysis, identification of future user needs, and the development of scenarios for the evolution of the LUCAS survey. Interviews will be conducted with all key stakeholders from the European Commission (Eurostat, JRC, DG ENV, DG AGRI, DG CLIMA, DG DEFIS, DG SANTE, EEA, and EFSA) to gather diverse perspectives and expertise that can significantly enhance the quality, relevance, and applicability of future LUCAS survey scenarios and ensure alignment with user needs, technological advancements, and policy objectives. The results will be compiled into a detailed report presenting scenarios, including recommendations for future iterations of the survey, addressing methodological, technological, and legal aspects to ensure the long-term relevance and effectiveness of the survey. These outcomes aim to inform strategic planning processes and policy formulation at the EU level, ensuring that the LUCAS survey continues to provide valuable data for environmental and agricultural management. The conclusion of the project will culminate in a workshop presenting the results to all key stakeholders. |
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Lx, 5 Mar 2024
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PORTUGAL - A1-Lisbon/Porto Motorway |
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The A1 Motorway (Northern Motorway) is Portugal's longest and oldest motorway. Its length, excluding interchanges with other roads, spans 303 km. For the Concessionaire BRISA, COBA was responsible between 1977 and 1991 for the Studies, Designs and Technical Assistance of approximately 50% of this motorway, including 139 Bridges and Viaducts, 6 Interchanges, and an equal number of Toll Plazas, along with 94 road network re-establishments spread across 6 different sections.
Of these 6 sections, particular attention was warranted to the Aveiras de Cima - Santarém and Torres Novas - Fátima sections, as the feasibility of their layouts required unconventional solutions. In the case of the first section, the most challenging aspect involved the construction of a viaduct over the Vala da Asseca, followed by the subsequent widening of the road from 2 to 3 lanes. In the Torres Novas - Fátima section, creating a layout that facilitated the ascent to the Fátima plateau posed a significant challenge. This involved the Arrife crossing and subsequently conducting an open excavation, approximately 30 meters in height. Due to increased traffic volumes on several sections of this motorway, COBA developed multiple projects to expand road sections from two to three lanes in both directions. |
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Lx, 2 Feb 2024
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