Stroytransgaz pursued research regarding the Kerch Bridge Project

Source: newspaper Izvestia, http://izvestia.ru/news/575513

The company is of the opinion the transportation passage construction should be started as soon as possible.

In the near future the General Contractor as regards construction the Kerch Strait Bridge shall be announced. Earlier, on August 14, speaking in Yalta, the Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin said that Kerch bridge construction works will begin in the next few weeks. Construction of the Kerch Strait passage shall be financed only by the federal government, Ministry of Transport, and Rosavtodor shall be the Provider. In this case both domestic and foreign companies can be contractors under the project.

Kerch Bridge construction works shall begin in the next few weeks. That was declared by the Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin, speaking to members of the State Duma factions in Yalta on August 14.

According to what Director of Public Relations of Stroytransgaz (STG) Anton Kurevin said to Izvestia, currently the company’s professionals are making arrangements regarding evaluation of the project, implementation risks and own resources.

— Companies of the Group that are ready to participate in the project possess experience in construction of similar objects, relevant expertise that can be used in the course of construction. It is widely understood that a project of this scale has never been implemented in Russia and worldwide yet. Why worldwide? We have to stay within the allotted four year’s period - together with design works. Therefore, it is arguable that there are no similar facilities in the world, Kurevin said, adding that the degree of responsibility is very high and the company understands it perfectly well. — The project is complicated but feasible, even within the fixed strict deadlines. It is going to be quite stressful, of coursel. We have estimated the schedule and we are generally ready to keep this term. The project schedule is evaluated just about using exact times.

Stroytransgaz representatives note that the project is unique first and foremost due to its severe geological conditions. Thus the bridge foundation provided for in the project is very complicated and one of its kind. According to the representative of STG Group, in order to implement the project within the time limit a quick technology should be applied, but along with this it should be sufficient to secure structural reliability of the facilities, Stroytransgaz has already developed solutions to this problem.

Kurevin also told Izvestia that the company appreciates that construction should be commenced as soon as possible because of severe weather conditions, and September is the only month favourable for works.

- There are storms in the Strait from October to early April and it is almost impossible to carry out any works there. And this is loss of time. Honestly, even now the time is playing against the project. Geological surveys are required for design purposes, and the longer the start of works is lingered, the wider becomes the critical area for builders. He said that only September remains quite favourable for construction.

Along with assessment of its own resources Stroytransgaz conducts active consultations with foreign construction companies. In the last two weeks the dialogue with Asian partners intensified. Their involvement in the project for the purposes of some kinds of works and services is quire possible. Negotiations continue with design institutes, such as Institut Giprostroymost JSC, Giprotransmost JSC, Institute Giprostroymost Saint-Petersburg CJSC. Main technical solutions’ variants have already been explored.

- It is pointless to comment on the financial terms of the project. We proceed from the existing budget. Like any public contract, this contract is low-margin. The State set a goal - to build a safe object as soon as possible that will solve the problem of communication between Krasnodar Kray and the Crimea, and ensure year-round communication. If they choose us we will meet the challenge, - assures STG representative.

As a result of the survey and negotiations, Stroytransgaz is ready to act as the General Contractor and take over the general design management functions, technical policy harmonization, marketing and logistics management, construction assembly and start-up and commission works management.