Port construction and underwater excavations are the most demanding applications of modern engineering.
Therefore, the execution of such projects requires absolute expertise, top-notch equipment and deep knowledge of the behavior of explosives underwater.
EXORIXI S.A. has a rich history in the Greek market. Through a unique photographic journey from our archive, we present three iconic infrastructure projects that redefined the country's capabilities in maritime transport and energy.
Project 1 | Piraeus Central Passenger Port (Palataki & Vasiliadis)
The expansion and upgrading of the country's largest port in Piraeus, in the areas of "Palataki" and "Vassiliadi", was a project with a high difficulty index. Specifically, the work had to be carried out in an environment with constant navigation and within walking distance of the dense urban fabric.
For the needs of the project, our team deployed floating platforms (barges)and heavy tracked drilling rigs. In addition, our engineers designed the controlled underwater blasting in such a way that the shock waves would not affect the existing breakwaters, passing ships and neighboring buildings.
At the same time, the use of digital detonators ensured the absolute timing of the explosions, allowing the successful completion of the excavation of the new dock without any interruption to port operations.
Project 2 | A.I.S. Atherinolakkou
The construction of the Autonomous Production Station (A.I.S.) in Atherinolakkos, Lassithi, was one of the most critical energy projects in Crete. However, the creation of the port for the approach of supply ships required extensiveharbor dredging excavations in extremely hard and solid rocks.
EXORIXI S.A. undertook the drilling work, using specialized marine drilling systems. Consequently, our divers placed waterproof explosive emulsions at great depths, facing intense hydrostatic pressure.
The key to success at Atherinolakkos was digital monitoring. As our archive photos show, we used vibrographs in the field. Our engineers monitored ground vibrations in real time, protecting the sensitive PPC energy facilities under construction.
Project 3 | Astakou Naval Industrial Area
The Maritime Industrial Area (MIA) of Astakos in Aitoloakarnania was designed to become one of the most important commercial and transit hubs in Western Greece. Therefore,thedredgement of ports with explosives was the only solution to enable the port to accommodate large-displacement ships
This specific project required perfect coordination between ground and underwater forces. The divers of EXORIXI S.A.worked under adverse conditions to safely network the explosive circuits on the seabed.
In addition, we implemented strict environmental protocols to protect the marine ecosystem of the area. The controlled direction of the explosion energy minimized underwater shock waves, achieving the desired fragmentation of the rock in complete safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is harbor dredging done with explosives?
The process includes drilling the underwater seabed from special floating platforms, placing waterproof explosives by certified divers, and controlled detonation with digital timings, to ensure the safety of the surrounding infrastructure.
What are the necessary underwater infrastructure projects for a modern port?
The main projects include the deepening of navigation channels, the opening of ship turning basins and the excavation of foundations for new piers and breakwaters.
How is the environment protected during underwater blasting?
Engineers use special systems, such as bubble curtains, to dampen shock waves, while also conducting continuous monitoring with underwater hydrophones and ground-based vibrographs.
The projects in Piraeus, Atherinolakkos and Astakos prove that the dredging of ports with explosives is not a simple task, but an applied science. Finally, EXORYXI S.A., having sealed with its know-how the largest underwater infrastructure projects of the country, continues to be the most reliable partner for the major technical projects of the future.
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