Endeavour Magazine April 2017

APRIL 2017

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EDITOR’S NOTE Heads of Departments Managing Editor Djamil Benmehidi editor@littlegatepublishing.com Sales Director Alex Smith alexsmith@littlegatepublishing.com Sales Manager Emlyn Freeman emlynfreeman@littlegatepublishing.com Head of Editorial Research Paul Bradley paulbradley@littlegatepublishing.com Assistant Editor Alice Instone-Brewer alice@littlegatepublishing.com Editorial Research Steven Weller steveweller@littlegatepublishing.com

N

orth Korean missile tests, Donald

play so important a role in keeping the gas

Trump… well, being Donald Trump,

flowing, and the national economy in cruise

the triggering of Article 50 by

control. Additionally, we have worked

Britain, terrorist attacks, and geopolitical

with the thrilling MovieTowne – Trinidad

tensions aside, this past month has been

& Tobago’s entertainment extraordinaires,

a fairly quiet one. Little has emerged

and Mario’s Pizza – the country’s premiere

or happened that we were not already

provider of pizzeria fine dining.

aware of, and most importantly the world

Elsewhere, we’ve found out more about

economy on the whole is only heading one way: up.

Menlyn Maine, the new green city which will soon hold the title as one of Africa’s

It is reassuring how, while tumult and

top-level business hubs, and TSU Protection

tension

the

Services – the first word in private security

new normal, stock markets continue to

in Southern Africa. And then there’s

soar, business continues to boom, and

Solareff, who continue to consolidate their

unemployment figures continue to fall,

status as Africa’s leading sustainable energy

most notably in the Eurozone which looks

industry leaders. On the manufacturing

as if it has finally recovered from its post-

and engineering front, we’ve featured the

2012 malaise. If you need evidence of

formidable ArcelorMittal and Singapore’s

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by Littlegate Publishing LTD which is a Registered Company in the United Kingdom.

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this, just take a glance at the oil & gas and

finest, Ed Zublin, who play so important a

commodities sectors – ever the barometer

role in keeping the city functioning.

of global economic good health, or lack of.

We hope you enjoy it as much as we

While market conditions remain imperfect,

enjoyed making it.

343 City Road London EC1 V1LR

with the new era of lower oil prices, which

Corporate Director Anthony Letchumaman anthonyl@littlegatepublishing.com Lead Designer Alina Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com Publisher Stephen Warman stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com

Suite 10, Thorpe House 79 Thorpe Road Norwich, NR1 1UA

Littlegate Publishing Ltd does not accept responsibility for omissions or errors. The points of view expressed in articles by attributing

has

seemingly

become

as do national budgets in some Middle Eastern states, for the most part the oil & gas industry has seemingly come to terms is no longer solely dominated by OPEC. Additionally, the return to profit of mining heavyweights,

BHP

Billiton,

Glencore,

Anglo American, and Rio Tinto must surely

writers and/or in advertisements included in this

signal the end of the punishing downturn

magazine do not necessarily represent those of

which has battered the industry over nearly

the publisher. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely coincidental. Whilst

every continent in recent years. Here’s

every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of

hoping that the good times last.

the information contained within this magazine,

On the subject of this month’s edition of

no legal responsibility will be accepted by the publishers for loss arising from use of information

Endeavour, we have a little something for

published. All rights reserved. No part of this

everybody, if we don’t say so ourselves.

publication may be reproduced or stored in a

Certainly, for our Trinidad & Tobago-based

retrievable system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of

DJAMIL BENMEHIDI

readers, there is a bit of a treat in store.

the publisher.

We caught up with the National Energy

Copyright © Littlegate Publishing Ltd 2017

Corporation of Trinidad & Tobago, who

Endeavour Magazine | 3

CONTENTS

30 ARCELORMITTAL SA FEATURES 16 TOFCO

Here To Stay 30 ArcelorMittal SA

Steeled For Success 38 Menlyn Maine

Beauty, Function, And Wellness 46 Ed Zublin AG

Going Underground 54 Solareff

South Africa’s Renewables Revolution 64 TSU Protection Services

To Protect And Serve

44 MENLYN MAINE 4 | Endeavour Magazine

64 TSU PROTECTION SERVICES ARTICLES

6 7 8 10 11

Business Headlines Middle East Africa Asia Americas Europe

Focus 12 Team Rubicon:

The Humanitarian Support Specialist

28 44

70

Amazing World Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium The Liberation Of Palmyra: The Pearl Of The Desert The Race To The Heavens: The Super-Tall And Mega-Tall Revolution

62

Automotives Nissan Micra BOSE® Personal® Edition

60 SOLAREFF Endeavour Magazine | 5

BUSINESS HEADLINES MIDDLE EAST REGIONAL ECONOMY SET TO WORSEN ACCORDING TO LEADING MILLIONAIRES IN 2017

laptops, iPads, cameras and most other

The deal is a side agreement to a long term-

electronics in carry-on luggage shortly.

contract PGNiG and Qatargas signed in

More millionaires in the Gulf believe

US from 10 international airports serving

Qatargas will deliver to Poland around 1

the cities of Cairo in Egypt; Amman in

million tonnes or around 1.5 billion cubic

Jordan; Kuwait City in Kuwait; Casablanca in

metres (BCM) of gas annually for 20 years

Morocco; Doha in Qatar; Riyadh and Jeddah

starting from 2014. At the time PGNiG

in Saudi Arabia; Istanbul in Turkey; and Abu

estimated the deal’s annual average value

Dhabi and Dubai. The ban was indefinite,

at around $550m, based on prevailing oil

said the official.

prices. The price in the side agreement was

regional economic conditions are worsening in 2017 compared to last year, according to a new report. Emirates Investment Bank said that 44 per cent of 100 high net worth individual respondents to its Gulf Wealth Insight Report believed that the current economic situation in the GCC was getting

A US official told The Associated Press the ban will apply to nonstop flights to the

2009.

The

companies

then

agreed

that

not revealed but PGNiG said pricing terms

worse compared to 36 per cent last year.

were “satisfactory” and expected to have a

In comparison 36 per cent said it had

“positive impact” on its financial results.

stayed the same, down from 47 per cent in 2016 and 20 per cent said the situation was

DP WORLD CHAIRMAN BRUSHES OFF PROTECTIONISM CONCERNS OVER GLOBAL TRADE

improving, up from 17 per cent last year.

On a country-by-country basis, views were most positive in the UAE, with 69 per cent saying the situation is improving and

Sultan bin Sulayem, DP World’s chairman,

42 per cent in Qatar. Respondents in Kuwait

brushed off concerns about the prospect of

and Saudi Arabia were the least positive, and

increased protectionism damaging global

those in Oman were most likely to feel the

trade, particularly in the US.

situation was worsening, at 75 per cent.

Regional

respondents

were

Speaking on a call to journalists after the

more

optimistic about the economic prospects of

company reported its annual results, Mr bin

the Gulf region over the next five years but

Sulayem said: “It is my belief that when the

there was a decline in those that were very

Americans … or Donald Trump talks about

optimistic from 40 per cent to 20 per cent,

trade and free trade, he talks about fair

while 55 per cent were somewhat optimistic

trade.

He is trying to balance trade with other

compared to 43 per cent last year.

countries. He wants other countries to open their markets, like China.” At a G20 meeting

SIX COUNTRIES IN THE MIDDLE EAST HIT BY US FLIGHT BAN ON ELECTRONICS

QATARGAS ENTERS AGREEMENT WITH POLAND TO DOUBLE LNG SUPPLIES

in Germany, the United States had pushed, unsuccessfully, for an explicit pledge to ensure trade is fair but the finance chiefs

State-owned Qatargas has agreed to

of the world’s largest economies ultimately

flights

double volumes of liquefied natural gas

left out any promise to avoid all forms of

originating in eight countries, including six

(LNG) it supplies to Poland’s gas firm PGNiG

protectionism.

from the Middle East, from most electronics

to 2 million tonnes per year at a price that will

in carry-on luggage.

boost PGNiG, the companies announced.

The US government is temporarily barring

passengers

on

certain

In a statement yesterday, Mr bin Sulayem said that DP World expects global trade “to

The reason for the ban, which was first

The agreement comes as Poland is

remain resilient, even in an era where there

revealed in statements from Royal Jordanian

aiming to reduce its reliance on supplies of

is much discussion about protectionism and

Airlines and the official news agency of

Russian gas, and take advantage of a global

increasing trade barriers”.

Saudi Arabia, has been implemented as part

gas glut. For Qatar, which faces competition

DP World anticipates growth in the low

of the fight against terrorism according to

from Australian and US producers, supply

single digits this year and Mr bin Sulayem

government officials.

deals into Europe offer a valuable option as

said that this is partly owing to the improved

The ban prevents passengers from the

Asia’s gas-consuming economies rein in new

fortunes of the shipping lines – many of

Muslim-majority countries, from bringing

deals in light of a growing supply overhang.

which posted “terrible” results last year.

6 | Endeavour Magazine

AFRICA RAND CONTINUES TO GROW IN STRENGTH AS INVESTORS WARM TO SOUTH AFRICA The rally in the rand following the US Federal Reserve’s decision to hike rates last

tanker waggons for N$132m (US$10.34m),

the rights issue is aimed at raising US$607

as it continues to upgrade its rolling stock.

million (Sh62.5 billion). Despite the debt

They will be used to transport sulphuric acid

burden many stock market experts believe

between Tsumeb and Walvis Bay for export

the company’s assets are undervalued

under a ten-year contract with Dundee

particularly as oil prices are now recovering.

Precious Metals.

According to Paul McDade, who is due to

week has continued, as investors remain

TransNamib acting CEO Hippy Tjivikua

upbeat about South Africa – though some

become the company’s Chief Executive next

said: “The funding for all locomotives

are still very cautious. The current levels

month, Tullow “has a strong set of low cost

[and] acid tankers was made possible by

mark the strongest position of the rand in

production development and exploration

government, and it should be noted that

20 months, with the currency last hitting

assets in Africa and by accelerating the

the integrity of the procurement of this

those levels in August 2015, subsequently

reduction of our gearing though this rights

equipment was done above board and

getting battered by a brutal global economy

transparently,

issue we will be able to focus on growing our

and poor governance locally.

Traditionally, African rail companies have

According

to

analysis

done

without

state

capture.”

by

almost all been state owned, state operated

Bloomberg, sentiment around the rand and

and required large subsidies to keep

its performance over the past 12 months

operating, as they are seen as being of great

has improved significantly, out-performing

public benefit.

business.’’

Tullow, which has been loss-making for three years, says it also aims to improve production and sell assets — as it did recently in Uganda — to further cut its debt.

over 30 markets. Meanwhile, risk measures

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE TO SEEK APPROVAL FOR PUBLIC LISTING

in South Africa – from volatility to creditdefault swap prices – are falling, Bloomberg said, and analyst forecasts are at their least

The Nigerian Stock Exchange plans to

bearish in 18 months. “The median forecast

seek approval from its members on March

of analysts in a Bloomberg survey predicts

30 to proceed with the process of becoming

the rand at R13.70 per dollar by the end of

a publicly listed company, it said.

the second quarter. While that may seem

Nigeria‘s bourse, the second-biggest in

bearish, the forecast has dropped from

sub-Saharan Africa after Johannesburg and

R15.83 a year ago. The last time analysts

one of the main entry points to invest in

saw the rand below 14 per dollar was in

Africa, is currently owned by stockbrokers

October 2015,” Bloomberg said.

and some institutional investors. It has around 200 listed companies, all included in its benchmark share index.

NEW MANAGEMENT TO MAKE NAMIBIAN TRANSNAMIB RAILWAY PROFITABLE, SAYS BOARD TransNamib chairperson

Paul

board Smit,

of

directors

said:

“Running

TransNamib unprofitably and contrary to

The equities market in Africa’s largest economy, was until 2013 one of the world’s best performing frontier markets. As a first

TULLOW OIL’S RIGHTS ISSUE TO BOOST KENYAN EXPLORATION

step, Nigeria’s stock exchange will change its ownership structure from a mutual company of brokers to add new shareholders in a

well-established business principles cannot

Tullow Oil’s new rights issue should

process known as “demutualisation”. It

continue, and has to change. “Thus, the board

enable the company to clear some of its

hopes this will help it improve transparency,

has made special resolutions to implement

massive debt burden and allow for further

product development and deepen the

its business plan with immediate effect, and

exploration in its African oil fields in Kenya

market, leading to more inflows from foreign

appoint a new CEO as soon as possible.”

and elsewhere, according to its new chief

investors, analysts say.

Other new senior executives will also be

executive.

The bourse has said it will fast-track the

appointed in the near future. TransNamib

The UK-based company is reported

listing of exchange traded derivatives this

has just received six new locomotives

to have a debt burden of around $4.6

year to help investors manage risk and has

from the Brazilian offshoot of US firm GE

billion (Sh474 billion) caused in part by the

created a counterparty clearing house to

at a cost of N$360m (US$28.2m), plus 90

decline in oil prices over recent years and

support the process.

Endeavour Magazine | 7

ASIA OWNER OF WORLD’S LARGEST JEWELLERY COMPANY TARGETS US$3.1 BILLION AUSTRALIAN ENERGY DEAL

Seng advanced 0.6%. But Australian shares

amid strong demand for more utilitarian

lost 0.3% and South Korea slid 0.5%. Japan

automobiles.

is closed for a holiday. The MSCI emerging

The pace is weaker than the 15%

markets index added 0.3% to hit its highest

increase reported last year by the industry as

level in more than two years.

customers rushed to take advantage of tax

The owner of the world’s largest

Investor sentiment towards emerging

incentives that were due to weaken at the

jewellery company has become the latest

markets, while cooling, still remains positive.

beginning of 2017. This year’s sales growth

foreign entity to tap into an Australian

Emerging-market equity funds had their

modestly outpaced the 5.1% notched at

energy sector grappling with soaring gas and

sixth consecutive week of inflows in the

the beginning of 2016 and outstripped the

week ending March 15, but the pace slowed

3%-to-5% growth that most analysts were

sharply. They had net inflows of US$215m,

predicting for China’s auto market at the

after inflows of nearly US$1bn the previous

start of the year.

electricity prices, with an agreement to buy Alinta Energy Ltd. The deal for jewellery giant Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Ltd. to buy Alinta is valued at roughly four billion Australian dollars (US$3.1 billion), according to insiders. Both Alinta, which supplies gas and electricity to more than 790,000 homes and businesses in Australia, and privately held conglomerate Chow Tai Fook recently confirmed the deal,

week, according to Thomson Reuters data.

Financial

leaders from the world’s

biggest economies reiterated their warnings against

competitive

devaluations

and

disorderly foreign exchange markets at the G20 meeting in the German town of BadenBaden.

SINGAPORE’S EQUIS SEEKS INVESTORS FOR UP TO US$5.5 BILLION IN GREENENERGY PROJECTS Equis Private Ltd., a fund manager that oversees one of Asia’s largest collections

although financial terms weren’t disclosed.

of independent renewable-energy assets,

The proposed acquisition, which is

is seeking investors for more than 100

subject to regulatory approval, comes at

different projects, with a combined value

a time when foreign interest is high in

between US$4.5 billion and US$5.5 billion.

Australia’s energy sector, with rising prices

Founded in Singapore as Equis Funds

encouraging the likes of Tesla Inc.’s Elon

Group in 2010 by former bankers with

Musk to set their sights on the country.

Australia’s Macquarie Group Ltd., Equis

Demand for reliable energy has also grown

takes investments from various global public

because of worries about a gas-supply shortfall along the eastern seaboard and after last year’s blackouts in South Australia.

“There is strong appetite for exposure to the Australian energy sector,” said Saul Kavonic, an analyst at Wood Mackenzie.

CHINA’S AUTO SALES GROW, BUT PACE WEAKENS COMPARED TO 2016 Auto makers in China posted sales growth that beat expectations in January and February, but the expansion was modest

and private pension funds and financial institutions to develop and manage its renewable-energy portfolio.

Equis hasn’t decided on how big of a share of the assets it will offer, but an insider added that it was looking for long-term

record-breaking

investors as part of its strategy to restructure

levels as increased car taxes weighed on the

the group’s renewable-energy business. The

world’s biggest car market. The numbers,

firm currently manages more than US$2.7

coming after auto makers weighed the full

billion, with a portfolio covering 5,083

impact of the Lunar New Year holiday on

megawatts of renewable energy in countries

Asian stocks were mixed in thin trade,

dealer traffic, give the first clear picture of

including Japan, China, India, and parts of

following Wall Street’s declines and the

demand in 2017. Analysts typically wait for

South-East Asia.

G20’s decision to drop a pledge to avoid

the first two months of sales data in China to

trade protectionism, while the Federal

evaluate the industry’s performance owing

solar,

Reserve’s less hawkish than expected

to the movable holiday.

generation

compared

ASIAN STOCKS MIXED AS FED’S LESS-HAWKISH STANCE WEIGHS ON SENTIMENT

comments continued to drag the dollar lower.

with

2016’s

Equis has invested in projects including wind

and plants

hydroelectric

power

in

Japan,

Australia,

those

Taiwan, India and the Philippines. The firm

typically used for commercial purposes,

also manages investments in infrastructure

Sales

of

vehicles,

excluding

MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific

increased 6.3% to 3.85 million units over

projects such as township, urban and

shares outside Japan added 0.1%. Chinese

the period; total vehicle sales, including

telecommunications

shares added 0.2%, while Hong Kong’s Hang

commercial, rose 8.8% to 4.46 million

distribution in China.

8 | Endeavour Magazine

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Asia,

and

gas

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AMERICAS US FEDERAL RESERVE INCREASES INTEREST RATES TO STAVE OFF INFLATION The US Federal Reserve has sought to head off rising inflation with a third interest rate rise since the 2008 financial crash and the second in three months, taking the base rate from 0.75% to 1%.

The central bank set aside concerns about the impact of higher interest rates on consumer spending to confirm analyst projections that it is prepared to increase

percent as unseasonably warm weather

Justin Trudeau and Finance Minister Bill

reduced the need for heating. Overall

Morneau, Canada could lose its AAA credit

industrial

includes

rating, although the nation remains on

manufacturing, mining and utilities, was

stronger fiscal footing than most of its peers.

production,

which

unchanged in February.

Rising bond yields will also boost the

Factories are benefiting from greater

cost of servicing Canada’s debt, projected

consumer and business optimism since

to rise to C$642 billion (US$480.36 billion)

the elections. Companies are spending more on big-ticket items such as industrial machinery, and Americans are buying cars at near-record levels. Overseas growth has spurred more exports.

rates several times this year to keep a lid on

this year.

Tax increases are a big unknown.

Businesses fear higher capital gains taxes would harm competitiveness just as U.S. rivals benefit from a break in taxes and regulation under U.S. President Donald Trump.

inflation as it rises above its 2% target level.

The Fed’s chair, Janet Yellen, said a wide

TRANSCANADA SEEKS PIPE APPROVAL LINKED TO PETRONAS LNG TERMINAL

range of indicators showed the US economy was in rude health, allowing its interest rate setting committee to push rates back towards historically

normal

levels.

TransCanada Corp has secured shippers’

Policymakers

commitment for a pipeline associated

voted nine to one to raise rates. Speaking

with Malaysian state-owned oil company

after the decision, Yellen said she had met

Petronas’

Donald Trump’s treasury secretary, Steven

liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in

Mnuchin, “a couple of times” but had only

western Canada and targets 2018 for

been “introduced” to the president himself.

construction, the company said.

pending

Pacific

NorthWest

“I fully expect to have a strong relationship

Government construction approval will

with secretary Mnuchin,” she said. “We had

allow the company to start building most of

good discussions about the economy, about

the North Montney Mainline before majority

regulatory objectives, the work of the FSOC

owner Petroliam Nasional Bhd, or Petronas,

[Financial Stability Oversight Council] global

decides whether to commit to the project,

economic developments, and I look forward

TransCanada said in a statement. The

to continuing to work with him.” She said she had had a very brief meeting with Trump “and appreciated that as well”.

CANADA FLESHES OUT BUDGET SPENDING PLANS WITH A VIEW TO SPUR GROWTH Canada’s finance minister is set to

US FACTORY PRODUCTION POSTS RISE FOR SIXTH SUCCESSIVE MONTH Positive data has shown that US factories produced more automotives, steel, and computers in February - the sixth straight monthly increase in manufacturing output.

flesh out plans to increase spending and boost growth, without alarming debt-rating agencies.

Analysts say key questions about debt and potential tax increases remain, although the annual fiscal blueprint is not expected to

pipeline, however, is independent of Pacific NorthWest and “should not be interpreted as changing any aspect of the decision process,” spokesman Shawn Howard said in a statement. North Montney was to provide gas to Pacific NorthWest, but it also connects to existing systems to serve a wide range of markets.

“This includes deliveries to the oil sands, local distribution companies, eastern Canada, the U.S. Midwest or to California,”

factory

have the news splash of last year, when the

production rose a seasonally adjusted 0.5%

new Liberal government unveiled a stimulus

Canadian gas producers have been

last month from January, which followed

budget centred on infrastructure spending

increasingly squeezed from the lucrative

another 0.5% gain the previous month.

and much bigger deficits than it campaigned

eastern market by US rivals, which have

on.

lower transportation costs, and have been

The

Federal

Reserve

says

Mining output rose 2.7 percent in February, spurred partly by more oil and

If the ratio of debt to gross domestic

gas drilling. Utility production plunged 5.7

product gets too high under Prime Minister

10 | Endeavour Magazine

Howard said.

looking for growth in the Asian market through LNG exports.

EUROPE LAFARGE FACES WARNINGS ON PROVIDING CEMENT FOR US BORDER WALL French

politicians

are

oil price rather than overheating domestic

and broader confidence barometers were

economies.

all picking up, while expectations of more

Those economies are growing more quickly - Germany was the fastest growing

expansionary fiscal policy in the US were also contributing to the improved outlook.

warning

G7 nation last year and private sector

construction-materials giant LafargeHolcim

surveys indicate the French economy and

meeting of finance ministers and central

the wider eurozone could be growing faster

bank governors in Germany, Ms Lagarde

than the UK. Rates will not rise until that

said: “Policymakers will likely share a sense

recovery is very firmly entrenched, however.

of growing optimism, because the recent

For now there will be no change to

strengthening of activity suggests that the

the ECB’s policies. “The risks surrounding

world economy may finally snap out of its

eurozone economic outlook have become

multi-year convalescence.”

Ltd. about the consequences of supplying cement for the 1,900-mile wall that US President Donald Trump intends to build along the border with Mexico.

Presidential

candidate

Emmanuel

Macron on Friday said that companies such as LafargeHolcim must consider the ethical aftermath of their business deals, after the Franco-Swiss firm said it stands ready to work on the project.

“Being

a

private

company,

whose

headquarters are mainly in Switzerland,

Speaking

before

this

week’s

G20

less pronounced but remain tilted to the

The IMF upgraded its forecast for UK

downside, and relate predominantly to

growth this year to 1.5% in January, as it

global factors,” said Mr Draghi. “Underlying

rowed back further from predictions of a

inflation pressures continue to remain

house price crash and market chaos.

subdued.”

conscience and asking questions before

IMF INCHES CLOSER TO JOINING GREEK BAILOUT, SOURCES REVEAL

participating in certain projects,” Mr. Macron

As the Greek government and its

does not free them from having an ethical

told Agence-France Presse.

creditors continue to be at odds over the

The controversy underscores how Mr.

need for further austerity measures, sources

Trump’s agenda is roiling political debates in

have told how recent developments suggest

countries around the world. In France, Mr.

the International Monetary Fund is moving

Macron has criticised Mr. Trump’s policies

closer to joining the bailout program.

on climate change and immigration, casting

Greece entered a third bailout program,

himself as foil to the US president, who is

worth 86 billion euros (US$92 billion), in

highly unpopular in France.

2015 but the IMF has not been willing to sign

Martin Schulz, who is a candidate to

up to the pact. There are still differences to

become the next German chancellor, has surged in the polls because of his outspoken stance against Mr. Trump.

DRAGHI: GROWTH IS BACK, BUT IT IS FAR TOO SOON TO STOP PRINTING MONEY Rock-bottom interest rates and money

be resolved, sources said. The institution has

IMF CHIEF SIGNALS UPGRADE FOR UK AS GLOBAL ECONOMY PICKS UP SPEED

argued that the Greek debt is unsustainable and until the measures agreed under the program show that they will lead to a more

Christine Lagarde has signalled that the

sustainable debt, the Fund is not stepping in.

International Monetary Fund will upgrade

A year and a half later the IMF has not

its UK growth forecasts next month, as

committed itself to the program - a problem

she said the global economy was gathering

for countries like Germany, Finland and the

momentum.

Netherlands where the IMF’s participation is managing

interpreted as a key “credibility” factor. The

inflation, as the European Central Bank is

director, said the world appeared to be

institution led by Christine Lagarde has dealt

determined not to repeat its 2011 mistake

at a turning point, with solid output seen

with many bailout rescues across the world

of raising rates into an economic slump.

across the world at the end of last year.

and apart from its financial contribution, it

Inflation has risen to 2%, above the ECB’s

She said she was especially encouraged by

brings the technical expertise needed to

target of close to but below 2%.

stronger-than-expected economic activity in

manage these programs.

printing are here to stay despite rising

But Mario Draghi, the central bank’s president, said it was not yet time to raise

Ms

Lagarde,

the

fund’s

countries such as the UK and Japan, as well as the eurozone.

interest rates because the inflation is

Ms Lagarde said indicators of future

generated in large part by the rise in the

growth in sectors such as manufacturing

“The IMF is back at the negotiating table,” a European official that follows closely the Greek bailout talks stated anonymously.

Endeavour Magazine | 11

FOCUS TEAM RUBICON: THE WORLD’S HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT SPECIALIST

I

magine for a moment; you’ve just arrived at work and sat down at your desk, blinking away sleep as you clutch your

first coffee of the morning. Your emails load, eventually, and there’s a full inbox waiting for you. Suddenly, the floor beneath your feet jars violently – there is a cacophony of roaring sound as the ground lurches, glass shattering and walls splitting. In the distance, through the confusion, co-workers cry and scream out as the world around you seemingly breaks and tears asunder.

For many who are reading this, a natural disaster of this magnitude is likely an event you’ll hopefully never experience. And even if, against the odds, the worst should happen, the chances are that your home country possesses the disaster response capabilities to reach your town or city quickly. Sadly, for the majority of the world’s population, this isn’t the case.

In

April

2015,

a

7.8

magnitude

earthquake ripped through Nepal and its capital city of Kathmandu – a centuries old urban area made up of buildings old and new,

of operating in hostile environments, one

organisations and we’d never place ourselves

with a population of 1.4 million, or 5 million

of the disaster relief organisations to arrive

on a pedestal. We simply have a few things

if you take into account the population in

had the skill set and capabilities to hit the

that we can bring to the table, things we are

the surrounding area. This earthquake, the

ground running, and provide the medical

doing that others could be doing,” explained

epicentre of which was situated between

support quickly that the stricken Nepalese

Jake Wood, the charismatic co-founder of

Nepal’s capital and Mt. Everest, along with

city so desperately needed. That group was

the group, and himself a former US Marine

the aftershocks that followed, flattened

Team Rubicon.

Corps sergeant. He continued, saying:

much of the city and killed many thousands.

In a world in which conflict, disasters,

“In the US, we’re spending all this

This terrible disaster, much like the

and global tensions have stolen the show

money giving these men and women these

catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake

in recent years, it is reassuring that there

incredibly useful critical skills – they are

that all but destroyed Port au Prince in

are still many organisations out there who

very capable, and are given great leadership

Haiti in 2010, quickly overwhelmed the

demonstrate kind and courageous acts of

experience, and they’re practicing these

local, regional, and national resources of

humanity on a daily basis. In this respect,

skills in real world scenarios in some of the

the Nepalese government, and created an

Team Rubicon is not unique, as its co-

most hostile environments on the planet.

incredibly challenging environment in which

founder Jake Wood was keen to stress.

And yet when they leave the military, nobody

to operate for the support agencies that

However what makes Team Rubicon stand

is approaching them or helping them to

arrived soon after.

out from other disaster relief NGO’s is the

repurpose these skills for the greater good.

make-up of its volunteer force.

I mean that’s just wasteful. Utterly wasteful.

However,

thanks

to

the

rigorous

military training and extensive experience 12 | Endeavour Magazine

“The world is full of great humanitarian

It’s stupid, it makes no sense!”

purpose is two-fold. Firstly, of course, the group strives to make the world a better place through acts of altruism and humanity, helping those who have in some instances lost everything they once had as a result of disasters. The organisation provides services free of charge that saves homeowners and local governments thousands of dollars.

Some of these services include debris removal and site clean outs, among other Quite simply, Team Rubicon is an

things. Secondly, though, a key objective of

organisation which has been created to

Team Rubicon is to provide a positive space

redress this waste of human capital. The

and outlet for ex-military servicemen and

Team Rubicon story began in 2010, just

women who upon stepping out of uniform

three months after Jake had left the Marine

have come to struggle with the gaping

Corps, when he first heard news of the

void that slowly emerged afterwards. This

destructive earthquake that hit Haiti. He

objective is accomplished by teaming up

said: “I started out trying to volunteer at a

veterans with first responders and other

couple of organisations, trying to explain

we were down there we realised just how

passionate civilians to work together toward

why I felt my military experience would be

transferrable the skills we learned in the

a common cause.

helpful for them but nobody was looking for

military were for disaster response. We

It is common knowledge that upon

help.

came home, incorporated the organisation,

leaving military service, an environment of

So instead I worked with another Marine

and set about creating something that could

comradery and structure and purpose, the

willing to help me and we organised a

change disaster response.� And so Team

return to civilian life can have a terribly

team to get down to Haiti. We got there

Rubicon was born, which united the skills

detrimental effect on their mental health

two and a half days after the earthquake,

and experience of military veterans with first

and well-being. Team Rubicon represents

and were there for the next two to three

responders to rapidly deploy emergency

a solution of sorts, and veterans who

weeks helping out. In this time the team

response teams

volunteer for missions and deployments,

grew from 8 to 60, and at some point while

Team Rubicon is unique, in that its

whether at home in the US and UK where Endeavour Magazine | 13

they are based, or further afield in disaster zones around the world, quickly come to find that not only is their sense of belonging restored, but that their military skills and experience can be put to good use making the world a better place and sometimes even saving lives.

Jake elaborated on this further, when he said: “As we were going into this thing over the course of the first year in 2010, we started to see the positive impact that our work was having on veterans who were volunteering. It started to really make us think about what kind of potential there was on that side. Then in 2011 my sniper partner who I served with in Afghanistan committed suicide, and that was really an intersection for me and the organisation.

We took a pause, we thought about what we were doing, what the broader impact was that we could have, and we set out to build from there.

We set out to build an organisation that could not only maximise the impact of helping people who were the survivors of disasters, but could really create a community that could provide veterans with those things that they were seeking, like purpose and community and identity. That’s really been a passion of the organisation ever since. We’re here to respond and help people on their worst day, and in doing so we’ll try to restore that sense of purpose in a use their skills effectively. Disaster relief is

That means doing things cheaper with more

John Leach, CEO of Team Rubicon

perfectly matched to the skills that military

consistent outcomes, more professional

UK and a former Royal Marines Officer,

veterans have. People grasp the idea of what

outcomes, better feedback from volunteers,

seconded Jake’s views, saying: “People who

Team Rubicon is all about very quickly.”

and continually increasing our transparency

generation of veterans.”

are looking for purpose can find it in beautiful

With 185 missions successfully under

with our stakeholders. There won’t be any

and unexpected ways, and service to others

its belt, and with fledgling Team Rubicon

radical departures from the current mission

is but one way of finding it. A lot of people

branches soon to open their doors in

set over the next 5 years.”

come to us who are transitioning from

Australia

wonderful

The Team Rubicon story is something

military life, some of them quite successful,

organisation is on the up. But while the scale

of a tonic in a world where bad news has

but they’re looking for that purpose – what

of Team Rubicon’s operations will grow as the

become the norm. However, as an NGO

can I give back? So Team Rubicon is the

organisation grows, its mission will remain

which gets no government support, they

perfect vehicle for people who are looking

unchanged – a point which Jake was keen

need all the help they can.

for that purpose that they lost when they

to stress: “I think we’re really just focusing

To find out more about the great work

left the military, and that comradery and

on more and better. Nobody is out to make

that Team Rubicon does and donate to the

togetherness.

any drastic changes to the organisation –

cause, log on to TeamRubiconGlobal.org,

and

Canada,

this

Team Rubicon is such a good idea, it

we’re really just focused on getting to scale,

or instead you can visit Team Rubicon USA

provides enormous opportunity for people

getting more volunteers in, doing what

(teamrubiconusa.org) or Team Rubicon UK

who are looking for purpose and looking to

we’re currently doing but doing it better.

(www.teamrubiconuk.org) directly.

14 | Endeavour Magazine

Endeavour Magazine | 15

TOFCO WWW.TOFCOTT.COM // 001 868 651 0006

HERE TO STAY In keeping with its long-standing reputation for being the Caribbean’s only world-class oil & gas hub, Trinidad & Tobago has for decades been a global hotspot for hydrocarbon exploration and production.

WRITTEN BY DJAMIL BENMEHIDI

TOFCO

The task of keeping production levels from declining

is big business here. Local operators rub shoulders daily with the industry’s established multinational big beasts, as they work tirelessly to tap into the estimated 728 million barrels of crude and 25.24 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of 3P natural gas reserves that lie under the territorial waters and lands of the twinislands.

T

hanks to its oil riches, Trinidad & Tobago remains by far the wealthiest Caribbean nation, however, as industry-insiders know all too well, the past five years have not been kind to the

country’s principal economic activity, from which 40% of national GDP is derived.

The collapse of world oil prices in 2014 dealt the country’s energy sector a grievous blow, and brought about an industry down-turn which even now is yet to abate. But as the old saying goes, form is temporary, class is permanent - history has shown on more than one occasion that the market will undoubtedly pick up again. For now at least, though, Trinidad & Tobago’s oil & gas sector operators are in the painful process of readjusting to what experts consider to be a ‘new normal’ of pegged low oil prices - a process which is proving uncomfortable for some of the region’s oil & gas sector stalwarts. Trinidad Offshore Fabricators Unlimited (TOFCO), as the premiere offshore fabricator in the Caribbean today, is one such stalwart.

Since the company was first founded in 2004 as a joint venture between Weldfab Ltd. and Chet Morrison Contractors LLC., TOFCO has proven through the completion of some of the largest, most complex offshore platform builds ever built in the region, that its far-reaching reputation for excellence is well-deserved.

“What sets TOFCO apart is our world-class performance but with Trinidad pride. We keep the work in-country rather than send jobs elsewhere. We’ve proven we can deliver projects to the

18 | Endeavour Magazine

TOFCO LIFT Sammy’s Multilift Services 500ton Crane and 825ton Crane were the two main cranes used in a eight crane tandem lift for the Main Deck Component in the Juniper Platform 

JUNIPER ROLLOUT Sammy’s Multilift Services worked alongside Mammoet USA using our 24line SPMTs (Self Propelled Modular Trailer) to transport the Juniper Platform onto the barge. 

TOFCO highest of standards,” said Javed Mohammed proudly, TOFCO’s

be argued that the successful manufacture and installation of so

General Manager.

large an undertaking does not validate Javed’s faith in TOFCO’s

While TOFCO provides maintenance and fabrication services

international pedigree.

to both onshore and offshore projects, its most impressive, high-

He said: “We provide a service in country that is equivalent to

profile line of business involves the construction of the colossal

what you would find anywhere in the world. We organically grew

offshore platforms used to reach subsea oil fields within Trinidad &

a business in a country where these capabilities did not previously

Tobago’s waters. The company provides the structural, mechanical,

exist. We brought world-class safety and best practices to the

electrical, and instrumentation skill sets needed to build and deliver

country, organized top talent and mentored young people from the

assemblies – the deck, four legs, and four footings that make-up

island on how to perform this work, all while not getting anyone

an offshore platform. Upon being pre-built at its 21-acre yard in

hurt or killed.”

La Brea – a cutting-edge site with the manufacturing facilities and

The company’s track record of success speaks for itself, and

workshops needed to tackle the most demanding projects, these

yet it is telling of the troubled state of the market that not even

component modules are then taken offshore from TOFCO’s deep-

TOFCO has not been immune from the effects of the oil and gas

water port out to be installed and assembled and commissioned in

sector’s woes. Historically, the development of strong and enduring

the Atlantic Ocean and other basins.

partnerships with clients has helped the company generate much

To date, the company has completed five major offshore platform

in the way of repeat business, and benefit from the economies of

jacket and deck fabrication projects for BP Trinidad & Tobago -

scale and decreased costs that come with project repetition. It is

Cannonball, Mango, Cashima, Savonette and Serrette, one for BG

through this that the company has maintained its competitiveness.

Trinidad & Tobago - Poinsettia Deck, and two for EOG Resources

Increasingly, however, Javed has noted with alarm how belt-

Inc. However, the recent completion of BP Trinidad & Tobago’s

tightening amongst former clients and partners has led to falling

Juniper offshore gas platform - the largest offshore structure ever

demand for the platform upgrades and construction projects that

built in Trinidad & Tobago - is its greatest achievement yet. It cannot

have long been the company’s bread and butter. Not that this

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TOFCO shrinking project pipeline is an issue effecting only TOFCO – far

Our people need a place to work in Trinidad. America is finally

from it. Rather, Javed believes that falling demand is an industry-

placing more emphasis on doing more work on a national basis

wide problem affecting almost all of Trinidad & Tobago’s home-

rather than sending jobs elsewhere. We should demonstrate that

grown energy sector service providers, as cash-strapped former

similar mind set in Trinidad.”

clients turn away from them in perceived favour of cheaper competition from abroad:

Securing the company’s long-term future is understandably foremost on the mind of TOFCO’s management team. Furthermore,

“TOFCO has grown this company organically and taught people

in addition to its expansive portfolio of assets – the machinery,

how to work as team. We’ve transferred technology to the island

equipment, and international-standard manufacturing facilities –

and empowered the local community. The people of Trinidad are

TOFCO has another string to its bow that grants the company a

capable of doing this specialised work, we just need the support,”

genuine competitive advantage: its highly skilled and experience

Javed stated. He continued: “The threat is the lack of projects

local workforce.

that are needed to maintain continuity. The upstream sector has

TOFCO’s employee base is considerable, and is made-up

been constrained by capital spending world-wide. In this market

of welders, fabricators, and riggers amongst others, whom the

there is always someone who is willing to steal market share by

company cross-trains over several disciplines. With a focus on

promising cheaper services. But is that always the best route?

youth, many of TOFCO’s senior staff members themselves started

These companies aren’t just stealing one job from Trinidad, they

from the bottom and worked up through the ranks. The company is

are stealing future jobs. If operators and the T&T government allow

no stepping stone – employees come here to stay:

spending to be done elsewhere, they are going to kill an industry

“When people come to work at TOFCO, they don’t want to

that has taken over a decade to come together. The real threat is

leave. We have had some problems in the past associated with

the sustainability of the industry. If jobs are taken from the people

trying to ramp up quickly without a full contingent backlog of work

of Trinidad, we may not be able to revive the local fabrication

to provide smooth continuity. Because of this, we ended up having

industry.

many people working for us that thought they were entitled to

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TOFCO that job. Our good employees, our biggest assets, are the ones

“Maintaining work continuity at our facility is imperative to our

that earned their jobs and that appreciate the company. These

sustainability. Without it, the community loses economic activity,

employees work cooperatively to ensure that we deliver efficiently

and it challenges TOFCO to once again develop the skill sets of

with safety and quality at the forefront.

many new employees. In that respect the company is heartened by

We believe in mentorship and understudy programs, and continue to train and develop our people in country.

the public offer of the government to work together in attracting

When

new business and the hope that the commitment to local content

we can, we promote within. There are several employees who

will lead to more topsides and jackets being built in Trinidad and

have elevated themselves at various levels such as Supervisors,

Tobago.”

Superintendents and Managers.”

With regards to what the coming years hold for the company,

TOFCO’s commitment to finding and nurturing the top young

the future looks bright, even in spite of the challenges posed by the

talent ties back to its earlier years when it had not long entered

marketplace. Following the success of the Juniper project, TOFCO

the market. Back during this time, it was difficult to draw seasoned

is planning to expand further on its Electrical & Instrumentation

industry workers to what was then the new kid on the block. So

(E&I) business – a field which represents something of a growth

instead, TOFCO built up a workforce comprised of bright young

area.

things, many of whom are still at the company today. This faith

Additionally, TOFCO is taking a long-term approach by

and investment in youth has not only proved hugely beneficial for

partnering with its clients to further improve efficiency and increase

the business, but also the community, which Javed feels a great

competitiveness in the business. To achieve this, TOFCO looks to

personal affinity and loyalty to. To Javed, the community is as

drive continuity of projects whilst collaborating on pre-engineering

much a partner to TOFCO as its clients and Trinidad & Tobago’s

aspects of projects that are years down the road.

government, and only through delivering ongoing success over

A significant segment of the company’s work is on brownfield

the years to come can the business continue to add value to the

development projects where existing critical infrastructure either

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TOFCO lifetime or enhance efficiencies. Therefore, TOFCO continues to

it does in contributing to the community in which its staff lives

promote business development and gain market intelligence for

and works. The company’s ultimate aim is to help people who

new opportunities in country throughout the region.

cannot otherwise help themselves, and through its outreach work

Currently the company continues to support BP/Technip

help lift up and empower residents to go on and make their lives

FMC on the Juniper Hook up, TROC at Beachfield and other

better. Taking an active role in the improvement of the social,

small brownfield work for various operators. The company has

health, educational and economic opportunities in the community

it eyes in the upcoming FPSO support prefab work for the Liza

of La Brea is one of TOFCO’s key goals, and on this front it has

Field in Guyana. TOFCO has been involved in preliminary order

made great strides forward. Over the last 13 years, its outreach

of magnitude pricing thru potential EPC contractors on behalf of

programme has positively impacted children, victims of domestic

Exxon.

violence, churches, community leaders and the environment,

TOFCO’s main focus is having BP’s Angelin Deck and Jacket

amongst others.

project built at TOFCO. There is an expectation that a decision will

Rhonda Farrell, HR Manager said it best, when she said: “TOFCO

be made by April 2017. We are excited about the recent public

is here to stay. Management has a genuine love for the community

support from our acting Minister of Energy. Finance Minister Colm

and we are dedicated to its development.”

Imbert who is acting as Minister of Energy said to TOFCO at the Juniper sailaway: “Whatever you need, the Government is willing to assist with.”

In addition to Angelin, there are a variety of projects we are targeting including additional normally unmanned installations on the greenfield developments planned as well as infrastructure upgrades offshore and onshore and onshore downstream projects.”

Another area on which TOFCO will focus is on the good work

26 | Endeavour Magazine

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Endeavour Magazine | 27

AMAZING WORLD OKINAWA CHURAUMI AQUARIUM

T

here are aquariums and then there are

the display is part of a complex of halls that

showy collection of fish hauled from all over

aquariums, and it would be safe to say

recreate life at different levels of the ocean,

the planet. Instead, all the creatures inside

that Okinawa Churaumi falls firmly in

and contains 7,500 cubic meters of water,

can be found in local waters, including the

the latter camp. Churaumi, an Okinawan

roughly equivalent to three Olympic-sized

world’s largest fish, the whale shark, and

word meaning “beautiful ocean” is a fitting

swimming pools. Holding back all that water

the largest ray, the manta. About 70 species

one, and that’s exactly what you’ll find

is the world’s largest acrylic window, and the

can be spotted in total, swimming about in

contained in a 35-m-wide, 27-m-long and

sight is breath-taking. Though the pane is 60

water pumped from 300 meters offshore.

10-m-deep tank at the Okinawa Churaumi

centimetres thick, it appears as if nothing

Millions of spectators every year come to

Aquarium,

two-hour

separates visitors from the gracefully gliding

stand mesmerised before this blue world.

drive from the subtropical Japanese island’s

an

approximately

marine life on the other side. Unusually,

“Everyone is moved by the experience

capital, Naha. Called the Kuroshio Sea tank,

the Kuroshio Sea display isn’t filled with a

seeing animals they’ve never seen before,”

28 | Endeavour Magazine

©Jordy Meow, Wikimedia

©Jordy Meow, Wikimedia says aquarium director Senzo Uchida. “There

different magnitude of challenge. “We still

vulnerable species in order to ensure their

must be something about the ocean that

don’t know much about them,” Uchida says.

long-term preservation.

speaks to our hearts.”

“There are many things we can learn only by

The tank’s size was essential for Uchida’s

observing them in captivity.”

Although the images of this quite spectacular place succeed in at least doing it

ambition, which was to hold several whale

The recent announcement of the first-

some justice, it goes without saying that the

sharks at once as part of a captive-breeding

ever attempt to breed the largest fish on

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium must be seen

program, scheduled to commence soon.

earth in captivity has understandably caused

first-hand to be believed. You’d do well to

Churaumi already manages large beds of

great excitement. Whale Sharks are not on

add it to your bucket list.

reproducing corals — a project that helps to

the endangered species list, but the efforts

replenish natural reefs in Okinawa’s waters.

of the aquarium to achieve this first are part

But the whale-shark program is an entirely

of a wider attempt to better understand Endeavour Magazine | 29

ARCELORMITTAL SA WWW.ARCELORMITTALSA.COM // 0027 16 889 9111

STEELED FOR SUCCESS ArcellorMittal is a name which needs no introduction. With operations across 60 countries and annual gross revenues estimated to be in excess of US$70 billion, the company is by far the largest producer of steel in the world today.

It should therefore come as little surprise that ArcellorMittal South Africa (AMSA), as a subsidiary of this global giant, is the country’s and indeed the African continent’s largest producer.

What is surprising, however, at least to the industry outsider, is that this regional behemoth has found itself in unfamiliar and uncomfortable territory.

WRITTEN BY DJAMIL BENMEHIDI

ARCELORMITTAL SA

In spite of the immense resources it can call upon and

its undisputed standing as the regional market leader, AMSA has faced its fair share of challenges in recent years, not least among them the dilemma of how to compete with the flood of cut-price Chinese steel that has threatened to pull the rug from under domestic producers. Endeavour Magazine caught up with AMSA to find out more.

I

t is telling that even those who know nothing of the steel industry recognise the ArcellorMittal brand, such is its reputation as one of the leading names in global business. This reputation

is, of course, well justified: the company is the world’s largest steel producer by a considerable margin, with a production capacity of over 90 million tons per annum - more than twice that of its closest competitor.

As one of the company’s national subsidiaries, it is perhaps only natural that AMSA has long been the market leader, not only in South Africa but across the African continent. Headquartered in Vanderbijlpark in Gauteng province, AMSA is South Africa-based, but, in-line with its African Overland Strategy, its presence and reach is truly pan-African. As Wim de Klerk, AMSA’s CEO, explained: “Our African Overland Strategy (AOL) is to ensure our presence is felt in the continent. We will aggressively pursue the AOL market and secure more than 30% markets shares, having identified potential strategic customers who will serve as distribution points to mitigate the current logistical difficulties of trade in the AOL. We are working with various stakeholders, including Proudly SA and Brand SA, to ensure that we position to company better in the country, continent and the world.”

Across the company’s four major production facilities in Vanderbijlpark and Vereeniging in Gauteng, the recently-relined Newcastle blast furnace in KwaZulu-Natal, and Saldanha in the Western Cape, AMSA has the capacity to produce 5.2 million tons of steel slab, plate, cold and hot rolled coil (HRC), galvanised

32 | Endeavour Magazine

ARCELORMITTAL SA steel, tinplate, billet rebar, and a portfolio of bars, rods, and other

strategy created to increase GDP growth to 5.4% per annum and

saleable steel products. Currently, the company supplies 60% of

reduce unemployment. It is therefore as much to the detriment of

the steel used in South Africa, the majority of which is used for

South Africa and its people as it is to AMSA itself that the company

the manufacture of products, equipment, and machinery for heavy

has faced difficulty in recent years, primarily as a result of falling

engineering, construction, mining, automotive, and other heavy

global demand for steel and, of course, the emergence of China is

industries.

an industrial superpower.

Furthermore, to ensure the long-term efficiency of its world-

As the largest and most advanced economy in the sub-Saharan

class facilities, AMSA has recently embarked on an investment

African region by a considerable margin, the impact of China’s rise

drive to maintain their effectiveness. “The year 2015 marked the

has posed a number of challenges to South Africa, not least to its

completion of the Newcastle Blast Furnace relining - an investment

steel industry. With a crude steel production capacity in excess of

to the tune of R1. 8 billion that is expected to sustain the

800 million metric tons – all but half of the world’s total production,

production for over 20 years. With the completion of the relining,

and easily more than that of the rest of the world’s top-20 producers

production increased and moved towards steady production.

combined - Chinese production has increased to such an extent

Around 1.5mt of steel was produced - an increase of 150% from

that in recent years, a global steel glut has threatened to strangle

2014, and equivalent to 24% of South Africa’s production - up from

the domestic steel industries of many countries around the world.

9% in 2014. This production provided R7 billion of beneficiation,

How could it not when, as recently as the end of 2015, a ton of

which is aligned to a key area of South African Government.

Chinese steel was cheaper than a ton of cabbages – an absurd but

Additionally, Newcastle’s steel supports the industrial growth

undisputed fact.

initiative of the province through contribution to the construction and manufacturing industries.”

This burden of cheap imports was amplified by the weakened state of the global economy, to the extent that industry insiders and

Such statistics speak for themselves. AMSA is a critically

members of government began to speak of the demise of a South

important component of the South African economy, and a key

African steel industry, which was in terminal decline. Fortunately,

supporter of the country’s National Development Goals – a

this was a prediction which proved to be somewhat premature.

34 | Endeavour Magazine

To paraphrase the country’s Trade & Industry Minister, Dr. Rob

opportunities in the country remain limited, particularly within

Davies, the South African steel industry ‘has not surrendered,’ and

its heavy industries. This, coupled with industry politics which

nor has AMSA. With the support of the South African government,

has led to disagreements between AMSA and some downstream

whom AMSA lobbied in collaboration with the SAISC, a raft of

companies in the past, has led to demands to have tariffs repealed

protectionary tariffs and bans on the import of steel products into

– a stance that Wim can understand and empathise with, even if he

the country have come into effect. Designed to protect domestic

doesn’t agree with it: “Some of our customers that we sell to today

primary and downstream steel producers, these safeguards have

will the take the route of imports, therefore publicly protesting

come as a great relief to Wim:

about what we do. We can’t blame them … we shouldn’t blame

“The 10% bound rate that we received from the government was very important. That gave us a little bit of reprieve to say that

them. We should talk about what we can change to bring them with us on this journey.

we have the ability to counter imports a bit and to deliver to the

Generally, some steel products are cheaper from China. If I

local market – that was important. The designation issue which,

ran my own company, if I ran Wim de Clerk Pty Ltd, and I found

basically, government is allowing certain steel that is used in South

the products cheaper for me my people and my shareholders…

Africa, will only be used if it made in South Africa. I think that is

I understand their point. They don’t care about the politics of

very important, not only for us (AMSA) but also for the downstream

whether they are made in South Africa or not - they can get it

industry.”

cheaper and they import it. This made if difficult for them to be told

From a logical standpoint, this ‘buy South African’ policy is one which will benefit every corner of the embattled industry, but

by government that they have to pay a premium for their product, just to support another South African company.”

support for such protectionist measures have been met with fierce

For an industry which is seeking to steady the ship in the face

opposition from some quarters. It is well-known that while South

of the dual threats posed by a stagnant economy and the glut of

Africa has not been in recession for some time now, the national

Chinese steel, it is essential that the wider industry is on-board.

economy has struggled to return to the surging year-on-year

Tough times lie ahead, after all, but a buoyant domestic steel

growth that occured up until the Great Recession of 2009. Growth

industry is both essential for the economic well-being of South

Endeavour Magazine | 35

ARCELORMITTAL SA Africa, and a source of national pride. As a message to the world

in My Shoes’ – a scheme designed to foster a mentorship culture,

that ArcellorMittal is here to stay, its 9,000-strong workforce, and

improve comradery, and promote a greater understanding of roles

the 100,000 South Africans who are indirectly employed as a result

between the company’s staff. Investing in its people in this way

of its business operations, AMSA has announced plans for R4.5

makes sense, in that it is both good for business and good for staff

billion of capital expenditure over the coming years, to signal its

happiness. Wim concluded the interview on this point, saying:

commitment to South Africa.

“This initiative will help to understand our business, each other

“As part of contributing to the country’s economy, this year we

and the challenges we continue to face on a day-to-day basis.

will launch the Industrial Incubation Hub between in Vanderbijlpark

Each month, every EXCO member will be allocated an ‘intern’, with

under the Sedibeng District Municipality in Gauteng. With an initial

whom they will spend one day, allowing them to walk in their shoes,

capital investment of R30-million over three years, the Incubation

mentoring them on the intricacies of their roles as ArcelorMittal

Hub will provide a comprehensive technical and commercial

South Africa’s leaders. In return, each EXCO member will also

development support of 12 incubates during a period of two years

spend a day in the life of the ‘intern’, to reciprocate the learning. In

from a comprehensive two-year development programme which

this way each will better understand and appreciate the other’s life,

encompasses technical, commercial and industry specific training

challenges, fears, and aspirations.

from 2017. The will specialize in the development of emerging

We should talk to our people, we should listen to our people

black owned enterprises with a specific focus on the manufacturing,

and then afford them an opportunity to influence us because we

fabrication and reconditioning industry,” Wim stated. He continued:

don’t have all the answers. We are a learning organisation and we

As part of this technical incubation programme, incubates will

will make mistakes in the process and when I have 10 000 people

have exclusive access to separate workshops, a central 800m2

directing me and all my external stakeholders, we are also learning

inter-leading central workshop area where incubates will have

as we take the company to the highest trajectory.”

access to larger, more expensive fabrication and manufacturing equipment.”

Another initiative which AMSA is soon to embark upon is ‘Walk

36 | Endeavour Magazine

MENLYN MAINE WWW.MENLYNMAINE.CO.ZA // 0027 12 361 7758

BEAUTY, FUNCTION, AND WELLNESS In a world in which a majority of the global population now live in towns and cities, and a country which has long been blighted by urban decay, it is clear that a fresh vision for the future of city living has been long overdue.

South Africa’s quite remarkable Menlyn Maine development - an innovative new urban space which fuses the ‘new-urbanism’ principles of multi-purpose liveability and safety with architectural beauty, has certainly provided it.

WRITTEN BY DJAMIL BENMEHIDI

MENLYN MAINE

Endeavour Magazine had the pleasure to speak to Henk

Boogertman, Menlyn Maine’s Director of Architecture and Design, and one of Africa’s best-regarded architects, about what Africa’s first ever green city brings to the table.

T

he world has changed beyond all recognition over the course

a 60,000m² Time Square Entertainment Complex, and large tracts

of a century that has witnessed the emergence of a new digital

of scenic parkland and open urban space.

age, and the rise of the motor car. Among these many changes,

Situated just outside of Pretoria in Gauteng Province, the

the rapid urbanisation of the global population is key amongst

Menlyn Maine development is truly unique, in that it is the first

them. In a little over 100 years, the proportion of people living in

green city of its kind to emerge on the African continent. Each and

urban centres has risen four-fold, from 14% in 1900 to roughly 60%

every component building in Menlyn Maine has been designed with

today. This, combined with a massive rise in the global population

environmental sustainability in mind, in order to create a precinct

and the unsustainable use of fossil fuels needed to power

that is highly energy and carbon efficient, to the extent that it is

them, has placed huge strain on many of the world’s oldest and

Green Rated by the Green Building Council of South Africa – one of

largest cities.

only a handful of urban regions in the world to earn this accolade.

In South Africa, the congestion, pollution, and sprawl has

Of course, looking after the planet is all well and good, but more

long-since reached a critical mass, and triggered an incidence of

importantly than this Menlyn Maine is just a great place to live, that

suburban flight that has seen business and retail flee the centres of

provides leisure, entertainment, and safety.

once-great cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town. South Africa’s

The precinct represents a blend of function and aesthetics that

cities are dying, and it has become clear that a new model of urban

adheres to the principles of new-urbanism, the result of which is an

centre is needed, which ascribes to the ‘new-urbanism’ principles

urban space in which people can walk and live peacefully, day or

of creating a safe and comfortable urban space – one which is

night, in an environment that encourages wellness. “Ultimately, it’s

multi-purpose, and in which the pedestrian, not the car is king. In

a new decentralised city centre. So if you take a main city centre like

Menlyn Maine, Henk has provided the blueprint for a city model

in Central London, you would also have a centre outside of it, like

that is fit for the modern age.

Canary Wharf. That is what we mean by a decentralised CBD – it is

The Menlyn Maine mega development – a 350,000 sq.

a business district that stands on its own legs as a separate entity.

metre urban precinct that is being built at a cost of R10 billion,

That is what we are e builing here at Menlyn Maine. It’s mixed-use,

is according to Henk Boogertman: “A huge thing. It’s one of

it’s a decentralised CBD in the sense that it’s a business district

the biggest commercial construction projects underway in the

consisting of hotels, apartments, casino, entertainment, shopping,

country today.”

apartments, offices, medical facilities, which includes a cutting-

Undoubtedly, it is the most ambitious construction project that

edge specialist hospital and a medical centre. There are outdoor

South Africa has seen for many decades, and upon its completion

leisure areas and parks where people can relax and hangout close

Menlyn Maine will be comprised of 140,000m² of commercial office

to the offices. That’s the full mix of what we have at the moment,”

space, 35,000m² of retail, dining, and shopping space, 35,000m² of

explained Henk, who as Director of Architecture and Design of

up-market residential apartments, 18,000m² of luxury hotel space,

Menlyn Maine is spearheading the project.

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MENLYN MAINE He continued: “The big idea of having a mixed-use urban area

biggest in the country, just across the road from one of our parks

is to create a place where you’ve got everything on your doorstep,

and we’ve set-up a massive gig where bands will perform to guests.

where you don’t need a car – a common thing for people living in

Then there’s our 8,500 seater multi-purpose arena where we can

Western countries, where you don’t need a car! In South Africa It

host sporting events such as boxing matches, tennis matches etc.

doesn’t work like that, so our precinct is unusual in that it embraces

and which we can also use as a venue for conferences. Big, big

old urbanism, which is what it is, not new urbanism, and operates in

music shows. Things just don’t exist like this in SA at the moment,

the way that a city should operate. A city should have people that

or not on this scale anyway.

live there, work there, go to school there and be entertained there,

It’s a great vibrant city centre where something is always

and shop there – do everything that they need to do there, and be

happening, where there’s always something cooking and where

able walk to go do it.”

there is always a hive of activity”

In Henk’s view, what’s happening at Menlyn Maine is the

There are even cycle lanes in Menlyn Maine, which is astonishing

regeneration of what a city should be – what cities used to be in

for a country where urban cycling is all but unheard of. And if

South Africa, and what they still are in some of the world’s leading

this wasn’t enough, there is even a striking 8,500-seater closed

urban centres. Underground parking means that the environment is

arena, capable of hosting sporting events, like boxing and tennis

pleasant and uncluttered, and the flat cityscape is perfect for families

matches, gigs, and important conferences. Absolutely every facet

with prams and people who are disabled, not to mention joggers.

of the development has been centred around coming as close as

The view is enhanced further by the presence of art and sculptures

is possible to creating an environment which is positively utopian.

in Menlyn Maine’s piazzas and parks, as Henk was keen to mention:

Naturally, demand from businesses and aspiring residents for

“We’ve embraced public arts, which are a common occurrence in

office, retail, and residential space has been utterly unprecedented.

other major cities around the world, but also performance arts. In

Henk elaborated on this, saying: “MM has definitely become a very

our piazza we’ve got a lot of activities every weekend, so we tend

good investment address, and a first-choice place to work. There

to do a lot of events on our premises that activates the precinct.

is currently a very low demand for office space in Pretoria, but we

We’re about to open our casino, which will ultimately be the

42 | Endeavour Magazine

are continuing to gain momentum from companies and individuals

who want to be here. There has been incredible demand for our

and residences seek to meet their energy requirements using off-

residential properties, and since we launched our residential

grid sources. With its heavy use of solar energy sources and its

apartment scheme in November last year we’ve sold 255 units

commitment to energy saving, Menlyn Maine is saving money and

– we will be starting construction work on the residential areas

the planet.

within the next 2 months. In South African terms, this is unheard of success.

Henk concluded the interview, saying: “Energy in South Africa is very expensive, so people are saying if I can use the sun, which

This is the kinds of demand we’re facing at the moment,

shines 90% of the year, and in some cases 100%, why don’t we

because it’s such a great address from a leisure, shopping, working,

use the sun to generate power? So, if you have a shopping centre

and lifestyle point of view. It’s outstanding.”

component like we have using 3MVA of power a day and we can

Suffice to say, Menlyn Maine has set the standard for future city

generate 500KVA a day, and the shopping centre is open during

developments in South Africa, and already other urban developers

the same hours as daylight so we don’t need to store the energy,

are following suit. The success of the project has shown Africa

this means we can reduce our power consumption substantially.

that the green concept can work here, and that it can be achieved

The savings from this we can use to augment our operational costs,

at reasonable cost – unlike in the Middle East where huge sums

meaning that we can put the money into maintaining our parks and

of money can be spent on enormous civic construction projects

landscaping areas and mall in great shape. The tenants don’t have

without looking at the price tag. Mega developments in South

to pay for upkeep of MM, its paid for by the sun.

Africa have to make financial sense. and it does, not only during the construction phase but in the long-term too.

In the long-term, it just makes sense to invest in renewable energy sources financially, especially solar power. It is a very

In a country where the well-publicised difficulties of Eskom

effective method of power here in South Africa - the sun is our

have led to blackouts and power shortages, energy supply from the

friend basically, and we want to use it. It’s a social thing, it’s a

national grid is unreliable and expensive. In-light of this, it is perhaps

cultural thing, it’s an earth thing – it’s the right thing to do, but it

unsurprising that investment in renewable energy sources in South

also makes financial sense.”

Africa has risen markedly over the past decade, as businesses

Endeavour Magazine | 43

AMAZING WORLD THE LIBERATION OF PALMYRA – THE PEARL OF THE DESERT

T

he rattle of gunfire and roar of explosions that split the air in the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra, located

in modern-day Homs, finally stopped last month. The violence was replaced at first by a welcome silence, and then a more gentle and unexpected sound: the intricate melancholy of the oud and song – the handiwork of Syria’s young musical talent, and a symbolic riposte to the barbarity of the odious ISIL. It is news to nobody how Palmyra, much like the ancient city of Aleppo, has become a focal point and symbol of the bitter war that is being waged in Syria between the country’s government and an international coalition of powers against the terrorist group. While incomparable to the heartwrenching human cost of the Syrian war, which has killed hundreds of thousands and displaced millions, the wanton destruction and plunder of Palmyra’s Roman monuments and other antiquities has been one of the great cultural tragedies of a war which has erased some of the world’s oldest, most iconic historical treasures from existence.

Palmyra’s magnificent ruins and cultural heritage have survived many a new master under the countless empires that have coveted its lands over the millennia, but, sadly, its resistance to blade and spear and fire offered little protection against modern guns and bombs. That being said, whilst many historical treasures have been lost, Palmyra’s soul and identity remain. Work is already underway to repair the damage sustained by the iconic Temple of Bel and 44 | Endeavour Magazine

the Roman amphitheatre, and assessments

Hafyan said it best when he told reporters:

of the remains of the Tetrapylon are being

“It’s impossible for anyone with even

made with a view to restoring them, as the

an iota of humanity not to feel sad when

Monumental Arch was only recently.

they see this. I’m sad, and I will stay sad

The difficult task of assessing what

until Palmyra goes back to the way it was.

remains of these priceless treasures and

All of Palmyra is left. Palmyra’s history has

monuments has been left to Wael al-Hafyan,

remained,” he said. “A few scratches cannot

who heads the engineering unit in Homs

distort its beauty. The enormity of what

province’s antiquities department. Perhaps

Daesh did here, all of its crimes, doesn’t

© Ron Van Oers, UNESCO © Ron Van Oers, UNESCO

© Francesco Bandarin, UNESCO even amount to a scratch on this beautiful,

metropolis thanks to trade in spices,

While the scars that ISIL’s atrocities

glorious face that is Palmyra.”

perfumes, silk and ivory from the east and

have caused will linger, the world will not

Although the exact date of its founding

became known as the “Pearl of the Desert.”

grant the terrorist group and their barbarous

is unknown, Palmyra’s name is referred to on

Palmyra’s temples, colonnaded alleys and

actions validation by remembering them.

a tablet dating from the 19th century B.C.

elaborately decorated tombs — some of the

They will fade from history, but Palmyra

as a stopping point for caravans between

best preserved classical monuments in the

will remain, as will the wonderful people of

the Mediterranean and the east. Occupying

Middle East — attracted more than 150,000

this proud and beautiful land, broken as it

the crossroads between three great empires

tourists a year before Syria’s conflict

may be at present.

on the Silk Road, it emerged as a wealthy

broke out.

Endeavour Magazine | 45

ED ZUBLIN AG WWW.ZUEBLIN-INTERNATIONAL.COM // 0065 6339 0436

GOING UNDERGROUND An urban centre’s drainage and sewerage network are the literal veins and capillaries that both bring life to a city and clear away the toxins. In today’s modern world, as in ancient Rome and Athens, such sewage infrastructure is essential for the billions of people around the world who now live in urban areas.

WRITTEN BY DJAMIL BENMEHIDI

ED ZUBLIN AG

IN SINGAPORE, ONE OF THE GREATEST cities in the world

today, effective maintenance and management of its drainage and sewerage systems allows for the city to keep functioning. And performing this essential task, out of the spotlight of course, can be found Ed Zublin AG’s prestigious Pipe Jacking Division. Endeavour Magazine worked with Ed Zublin to find out more.

S

ingapore. The bustling high-tech city-state needs little

the STRABAG Group, which ranks among the largest European

introduction, such is its pre-eminent global standing as the

contractors. The company is active in all areas of construction,

world’s fourth-ranked financial centre. But for its towering

including

design,

consulting,

project

management,

general

glass skyline, its first-rate metro system, its botanical gardens

contracting and the production and supply of Jacking Pipes and

and immaculate streets, and all the other aesthetic trappings that

Tunnel Lining Segments.

come with being one of the world’s leading urban centres, such

This extensive specialist expertise has now been channelled

grandeur can only exist because of what lies hidden beneath its

exclusively into Asia, where Zublin’s own state-of-the-art precast

streets. As with all things subtle and yet essential, the key municipal

pipe production factory is located in Kota Tinggi, Malaysia,

infrastructure upon which a city is built is often overlooked by

alongside the division’s Singapore headquarters. This extensive

those who walk its streets.

know-how means that everything step of the process takes place in-house, meaning services provided by the foundation, tunnelling,

PIPE JACKING AND TUNNELLING EXPERTS WITH A CENTURYLONG HERITAGE AND A GLOBAL REACH

and turnkey departments, along with the others, is collaborative and interlinked, which in-turn fosters a culture of innovation and efficiency with regards to finding solution for clients.

That’s where, Ed Zublin AG’s Singapore-based Pipe Jacking

On the state of the industry, Mr. Chen continued: “The

Division; the established first port of call for the city-state’s civic

Industry, within which we operate, is both buoyant and growing

planners and local authorities, comes in. Established in 1997 as

especially in South East Asian, both in the Pipe Jacking and Tunnel

a specialist arm of Stuttgart-based global construction and civil

lining divisions. Competition is fierce but with more than 50 years’

engineering Ed Zublin AG – itself a valued component of European

experience in the design and production of all kinds of reinforced

construction giant, STRABAG – Zublin Singapore’s Pipe Jacking

jacking pipes and tunnel lining segments we feel confident, that

Division can call upon on over a century of heritage and industry

by providing good quality products and an efficient service, we

experience in the design, production and installation of reinforced

can face such competition, challenges, obstacles and threats

concrete jacking pipes of up to 5,100mm in over 50-countries

head on. We are well positioned to meet such challenges with full

around the world.

confidence”.

Oliver Chen said: “Ed Zublin was established in 1898 by

As its portfolio shows, in addition to the dozen or more multi-

Swiss Engineer Eduard Zublin. Today ED. Zublin AG forms part of

million projects that have been completed in Singapore and

48 | Endeavour Magazine

ED ZUBLIN AG Thailand, the Zublin AG Pipe Jacking Division has undertaken

Another Australian-based project, the Southern Seawater

colossal projects for international clients in Abu Dhabi, Russia,

Desalination Plant, also located in Western Australia, was

India, and Australia with contract values in the hundreds of millions

completed ahead of schedule in 2011. Such was Zublin AG’s

of dollars.

success in constructing 861m of dual-intake tunnels, and a 965m brine discharge tunnel to the facility, the company received

ALKIMOS WASTEWATER TREATMENT SCHEME, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

the Tunnelling Project of the Year Award 2011. The company thoroughly deserved this accolade, having seized what was a highly challenging offshore tunnelling project by the horns.

An example of one of Zublin’s more lucrative international works, the Alkimos Wastewater Treatment Scheme, which was constructed in Western Australia, saw Zublin AG work alongside Zublin Australia and a number of other companies as part of the

EAST-WEST GAS PIPELINE PROJECT, GAUTAMI GODOVARI RIVER CROSSING, INDIA

Alkimos Alliance from 2006-10. The AUD$275 million endeavour

Similarly, Zublin’s work on the East-West Gas Pipeline Project

saw Zublin construct a 6.3km main sewer trunk serving an area of

on the Gautami Godavari river crossing in Rajahmundry, India, was

new suburb 45km north of Perth, 13 jacking shafts, which were

also an enterprise which showcased the company’s reputation for

constructed along the length of the tunnel, and 3.7km of 76”

excellence. A total length of 2.4km of tunnel, using two Dual Mode

diameter ocean outfall pipeline. This project saw Zublin AG achieve

TBM’s, was completed within the space of one dry season – an

a number of firsts, in that pipe jacking works were completed at

impressive achievement, bearing in mind the challenges posed by

a record pace, which saw the project reach completion 3-months

the project, and the short construction schedule which Zublin had

ahead of schedule. Another came when Zublin employed a new

to work to.

Dual Mode Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) for the first time during

The remoteness of the jobsite, and its highly variable

the project – a tool which is perfect for tackling challenging

geographical conditions, which included silty sand, clay silt, clay

geological conditions which are highly variable in nature.

sand, and intermittent pockets of sand and clay meant that an

50 | Endeavour Magazine

alternate approach to completing the project was required. Rather than rely on its Kota Tinggi production facilities in Malaysia, instead, a temporary pipe-production was set-up nearby, which allowed for timely production and transportation of pipes. This, along with the importation of the two TBM’s, plant and equipment led to the creation of a completely self-sufficient jobsite which instrumental in the project’s success.

DEEP TUNNEL SEWERAGE SYSTEMS: QUEENSWAY TUNNEL, SINGAPORE It goes without saying that such feats of engineering and innovation have acted as the bedrock of Zublin AG’s successes at home in Singapore, as well as abroad. Amongst the biggest projects that it has taken on recently are the Deep Tunnel Sewerage Systems (DDTS) Queensway Tunnel, otherwise known as T-06, and the Upper Thomson Link Sewer. The first vast of these vast undertakings saw Zublin construct 9.6km of deep tunnel with circular diameters ranging from 3.3 to 6.0m beneath the heart of Singapore, along with six access shafts and a drop shaft, ranging from 21m to 49m in depth. The Queensway Tunnel, which is part of a wider long-term project encompassing 48km of tunnel stretching from Singapore’s Kranji to Changi districts, and 70km

EARTH WORKS SUPPORT PTE LTD

Congratulations to Ed Zublin for the long term support and co-operation over the years 38 CHUN TIN ROAD, HOOVER PARK SINGAPORE 599616 TEL: (65) 6468-6460 FAX: (65) 6466-2420

Endeavour Magazine | 51

ED ZUBLIN AG of link sewers and deep sea outfalls, was undoubtedly Zublin’s flagship home project.

As Oliver told us, “tunnelling may sound very simple in theory but the reality of tunnelling anywhere, let alone in Singapore where you have obstacles like our underground metro system, existing sewerage and drainage tunnels, electrical cables and other things, means that there is a lot of complex engineering involved.

THE QUEENSWAY TUNNEL: A PRECURSOR TO, AND PLATFORM FOR ED ZUBLIN AG SINGAPORE’S FUTURE ENDEAVOURS Completed in 2005, the US$91.8million Queensway Tunnel was a successful precursor to the many sewerage and drainage tunnel projects in Singapore which Ed Zublin AG has completed since, and continues to work on today.

With work on recently completed the vast South Stream Pipeline Shore Crossing project in Russia ongoing, and having

USING A CULTURE OF INNOVATION TO FIND SOLUTIONS TO ADVERSE AND COMPLEX CHALLENGES To circumvent such obstacles, we used what’s known as curve drives for the purpose of laying curved tunnels where its straight drives and tunnels weren’t possible. We also developed and used a new inner-sleeve technology to counteract the limitations of

recently completed the Bukit Panjang Underpass, and the Lorand Lida Hitam, Tuas South Avenue, and Jurong East and Jurong West sewerage system schemes in Singapore, Oliver Chen expects to complete Ed Zublin AG’s current big project, the US$39million T-3003 Advanced Sewer Diversion & accompanying pipe and effluent outflow by 2017.

concrete pipe. It simply isn’t possible to enter pipe which is less than 1m in diameter, which can make sealing them very challenging.

The application of the inner-sleeve, an HDPE liner, has removed the need for them to be sealed. A lot of work went into developing these techniques, and its changed the way that we’re able to approach projects”.

HOW DOES ED ZUBLIN AG’S PIPE JACKING DIVISION SET THE STANDARD? Upon concluding the interview, it was asked of Oliver what he believed to be the key drivers for Ed Zublin AG Pipe Jacking

A tunnelling project of such magnitude through a region with

Division’s success. He told us: “Ed Zublin AG stands out from its

such complex geographical conditions, and the many obstacles

rivals. The Zublin Brand, which has evolved over many years, (the

that are to be found beneath the streets of a bustling 21st-century metropolis, elevated the Queensway Tunnel project from being merely an overwhelming challenge to a truly herculean one.

“When we started tunnelling, our two TBM’s, which started off from a central point along the Queensway Tunnel alignment, were launched from 74m long launch chambers built using the New

THE PROFES AND SYSTEM

Australian Tunnelling Method (NATM)”.

TAKING ON SINGAPORE’S CHALLENGING GEOTECHNICAL CONDITIONS He continued, “in total we constructed 9.6km of tunnel by means of two drives; the 5.6km North Tunnel and the 4km South Tunnel. The geological conditions of Singapore vary between solid rock to sand and reclaimed land. In the north conditions we encountered ranged from hard Bukit Timah Granite and mixed conditions to a short section of Old Alluvium. The South Tunnel encountered residual soil of Bukit Timah Granite to a section of Jurong Formation”.

With such challenging geotechnical conditions to contend with Ed Zublin AG turned to a specialist TBM which was up to the task.

The shield of the Queensway Tunnel TBM had an outer diameter of 4.45m, and a total length of 90m, including the attached backup system, while the cutting head was equipped with specially designed interchangeable discs able to handle the variable ground conditions. Powered by 24 thrust jacks, which thrust off a precast ling to propel the TBM forward, the TBM advanced in stages, with the aid of a hydraulic erector which extend the precast lining.

52 | Endeavour Magazine

QUICSEAL is proud to be engaged by

DO IT RIGHT WITH THE R PRODUCTS

Ed Zublin AG (Singapore) as the material supplier for their Deep Water Basin Project (National University of Singapore) and Sewers Project (Lorong Lada Hitam) with the supply of QUICSEAL 172 Q-Stop PU polyurethane (PU) injection resin that helps to stop water ingress; QUICSEAL 516 Waterplug – fast set, Our comprehensive range of hydraulic cement, and QUICSEAL 507 provide civil compound and structural en Cure Shield WB – curing for concrete andsurface. proven solutions that are

company was an innovator in the centrifugal process for concrete

complex engineering challenges. Our equipment also gives us an

pipe production in 1923) is well established and synonymous with

edge,” with reference to Ed Zublin AG’s array of gantry cranes,

high levels of quality and excellent service whilst developing and

TBM’s, telescopic excavators, de-silting centrifuges, and power

establishing new production processes.

plants, to name but some of it.

We consider ourselves to be at the forefront of Design,

Lastly, Oliver credited the company’s adherence to international

Development and in production of new techniques in our area

engineering standards, and access to the Pipe Jacking Division’s

of operations. ED Zublin AG is highly committed to its Gracious

access to parent company Zublin AG’s global resources for its

Policy by implementing the best practices, in public safety,

culture of professional excellence.

noise and vibration, accessibility, communication and workforce

“We have access to a wide range of resources and personnel

management. Our Environmental Management Policy commits

from across the world, and offer international quality standards

ED Zublin AG to be aware of the importance of environmental

that are the equal of anything our clients might find in even the UK,

conservation and responsibilities”.

US or Australia. The reputation of German engineering precedes it,

He continued, “In total, Ed Zublin AG has 13,780 employees

and our parent company is a German engineering leader!

(from a total of 73,800 within the Strabag Group). The group’s

All of this means our clients are reassured from the start, and

policy is to attract the most experienced and dedicated employees.

we are able to tender for the biggest contracts around, even the

This is achieved by encouraging employees to strive towards higher

huge multi-million dollar projects”.

personal and company goals, whilst also turning to the open market

The coming years will, in Oliver Chen’s view, continue to prove

when the needs arise. Ed Zublin AG places staff training at the top

lucrative for the company, as Ed Zublin AG continues its expansion

of its human resource management. Training is done both in house

into new territories and new operational fields. With its culture

but where necessary external training programmes are undertaken.

of success and continued application of the latest technologies,

We have 360 highly capable staff in Singapore alone, and

materials, and operational approaches, it would be a safe bet

a further 840 we can call upon for international projects. With

to assume that continued market dominance is assured for the

the best available team we are able to find solutions to the most

foreseeable future.

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Use structural repair mortar QUICSEAL 517

Endeavour Magazine | 53

SOLAREFF WWW.SOLAREFF.CO.ZA // 27 11 675 1114

AT THE VANGUARD OF SOUTH AFRICA’S RENEWABLES REVOLUTION It is something of a mystery how many still believe that energy is a scarce resource, when, if utilised, our skies, seas, and air offer the potential to provide us with more of it than we could ever possibly use. Fortunately, however, this antiquated belief is starting to fade.

WRITTEN BY DJAMIL BENMEHIDI

SOLAREFF

The past decade has seen the emergence of a growing

awareness and conscientiousness of environmental sustainability issues, and this is coming at the expense of the fossil fuel-based energy sources that have traditionally fired the global economy. Certainly, in South Africa - a country that basks in near-constant sunshine all-year round, and where unreliable, insufficient grid-sourced energy supply is par for the course - the sustainable energy revolution has taken hold in a way that few could ever have foreseen.

I

n little over a half decade, South Africa has quietly and pragmatically developed a progressive renewable energy sector that is the envy of many a larger, richer nation. And as one of

the companies far-sighted enough to enter the alternative energy market nearly a decade ago when it was still in its infancy, Solareff is now reaping the rewards.

What a difference seven years can make! Where once it had only the capacity to take on smaller contracts, the company has grown rapidly over the time since to become what it is today: one of South Africa’s leading solar Photovoltaic (PV) solutions specialists, with a proven track record of successfully completing the most demanding rooftop and ground-mounted Solar PV installations to the highest quality standards.

When you’re accustomed to taking on the some of the biggest, most complex installations, not only in the Southern Hemisphere but on the entire African continent, successfully completing a project that meets client expectation requires more than simply turning up with men and equipment – it requires the provision of a full turnkey service which can cover all aspects of the task at hand.

Throughout every stage of the journey, from the design phase at the beginning to the installation of the last solar PV unit at the end, Solareff works with its clients to ensure delivery of a tailored product that is optimised to meet their needs.

“Solareff is a specialist South African-based renewable energy solutions company, with a proven track record of installing mediumto large-scale rooftop and ground-mounted Solar Photovoltaic

56 | Endeavour Magazine

SOLAREFF (PV) projects. With more than 18MWp of commissioned and

PV systems, incorporating online monitoring tools to ensure early

current projects, we continue to be leaders in high-quality Solar

fault detection and correction, comes as standard. By striving to

PV solutions across the commercial, agricultural and industrial

exceed expectations in this way, the company has won a great deal

markets,” explained Jaco Botha, Solareff’s Managing Director and

of repeat business from customers – an achievement which Jaco

Founder.

credits as being the key to the company’s success.

He continued: “At Solareff, we are committed to providing

Undoubtedly, Solareff’s growing order book is a by-product

guaranteed, top quality, sustainable Solar PV solutions designed to

of its great work, but it is also representative of the alternative

meet our client’s unique electricity consumption requirements. Our

energy sector’s emergence as a reputable and financially viable

in-house team of qualified engineers deliver full turnkey solutions

energy source. A drive toward a cleaner, more environmentally

- including engineering design, procurement, construction,

sustainable South African economy is taking place, as both the

monitoring and after sales management. We have the expertise

business community and households turn away from grid-sourced

and capacity, through our team of professional project managers, to

energy en masse, and the coal-fired power stations that power it, in

ensure that all our projects are effectively managed and executed,

favour of off-grid energy sources. Solareff, and its fellow providers

while keeping our clients updated throughout the installation

of renewable energy sources have naturally been the beneficiaries

process.”

of this seismic shift in attitude – a point that is reinforced by the

Not that Solareff’s commitment to its clients ends following project completion – far from it. Solareff is a company which has

recent successful completion of two of its more recent installations, the Graham Beck Wine Estate and Woolworths projects.

grown to become a market leader, having carefully cultivated

The name Graham Beck is one which South African wine

a reputation for excellence. Jaco understands all too well the

connoisseurs will be familiar with, both for its reputation as a

importance of providing a superior level of service that demonstrates

highly-regarded producer of red, white, and sparkling wines and its

a willingness to go above and beyond client expectations. In-line

standing as one of Africa’s foremost ethical wine brands. Graham

with this customer-first ethos, a comprehensive post-installation

Beck Wine Estate has gone to great lengths to go about its business

service, which includes regular upkeep and maintenance of solar

operations in a manner which is environmentally sustainable, and

58 | Endeavour Magazine

this has manifested itself recently in the company’s decision to install a 312kWp solar PV system on the roofs of buildings across its sprawling estate. The project, which required 1,200 Canadian Solar 260Wp panels, equating to 2,384m2 of PV surface area, proved to be a vast undertaking but its benefits are undeniable.

This solution will provide 16% of total energy consumption, which will result in cost savings of over R300,000 in the first year and cut CO2 emissions by 474 tons.

“With all the sunshine hours in the Robertson area we have a high solar irradiation factor. That factor, combined with the fact that all the roof areas on our structures are positioned at the perfect angle for optimizing the solar radiation, made it an easy decision to harvest sunlight for electricity,” said Louis Jordaan, Graham Beck’s Operations Manager.

The electricity generated by the solar PV solution is for the estate’s own consumption – the majority being consumed by the cellar and any surplus being fed into their own grid. This installation will continue to produce clean ‘green’ electricity for at least 25 years, providing tangible environmental benefits for sustainable, responsible farming.

Another major project that was completed by Solareff for the global retailer Woolworths has had no less a profound

SOLAR-LOG™ - MORE THAN JUST PV MONITORING! Solar-Log™ is THE leading supplier for qualified and inverter-independent PV monitoring, energy and feed-in management. Solar-Log™ also provides ZERO EXPORT features to avoid feedin into the grid and regulates inverter power properly with the consumption.

The Solar-Log™ hardware and software system protects the PV investment and is meanwhile installed in more than 100 countries.

environmental impact. As one of the country’s largest and most

In this graphic, the red line represents the consumption curve. The curves of self-consumption and production (yellow area) show practically the same gradient. This means that there is no surplus energy that feeds into the grid.”

Endeavour Magazine | 59

SOLAREFF prominent retailers, Woolworths’ ambitious aim to become

strong warehousing, logistical, and financial resources of the Alviva

entirely reliant on renewable energy sources by 2030 will have an

Group – formerly known as Pinnacle Holdings Ltd – has access to a

incredibly positive environmental impact, and set a high bar for the

number of exciting growth opportunities, and is poised to continue

rest of the South African business community to follow. Solareff’s

its expansion further across the African landmass. Additionally, the

selection to install, commission, and maintain a vast 1MWp solar

company has been buoyed by the decision of Clearwater Mall’s

PV system at Woolworths’ Midrand, Gauteng-based Distribution

owners Hyprop to further expand on the installation work that

Centre represents a leap forward towards realising its goal.

Solareff completed in 2015.

The installation of this system, made-up of 3,129 Canadian

Jaco elaborated, saying: “Our clients trust our expertise and

Solar 320W panels covering 6,920m2 of roof space, was a project

we deliver on our promises and aim to exceed their expectations.

even grander in scale than the Graham Beck project. In the first

A large percentage of our business comes from repeat customers,

year alone, this energy solution will account for 12% of the site’s

Clearwater Mall owned by Hyprop is a great example of this: in

total energy usage, which will result in the reduction of 1,700 tons

2014 we won an open tender for a 500kWp solar PV rooftop

of CO2 emissions – an outcome that has delighted Woolworths,

installation at Clearwater Mall which they wanted to use a pilot

according to Energy Manager Quentin Zevio, who stated: “The

project.

completion of this project is incredibly exciting for Woolworths.

After being impressed with the results of the pilot, Hyprop

Sustainability is a core value of our business, so it is only natural

fast-tracked the installation of an additional 1MWp solution which

that we accelerate towards more renewable sources of energy. This

was awarded to us without going out on tender, we completed

is a significant step towards our ambitious goal - 100% renewable

the installation of phase 2 in 2015. Hyprop have now engaged

energy from 2030. We are grateful to Solareff for taking us a step

Solareff to install phase 3 which will be a further 1.4MWp solution

closer to achieving this.”

– on completion of phase 3 this will make Clearwater Mall the 3rd

So, what next for the company? Well, Jaco is optimistic that the coming 12-months will be no less fruitful than the year just gone for a number of reasons. Solareff, with the ability to leverage the

60 | Endeavour Magazine

largest rooftop solar PV solution in South Africa.”

AUTOMOTIVES NISSAN UNVEILS PREMIUM NEW MICRA BOSE® PERSONAL® EDITION

A

premium new limited edition of the allnew Nissan Micra has been unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, the BOSE

Personal Edition.

Based on the range-topping Tekna grade, this A-list new Micra comes with a number of extras and personalisation features as standard. Offering exceptional value for money, only 3,000 examples will be available across Europe.

As

the

car’s

name

suggests,

its

specification has been created to celebrate Nissan’s collaboration with BOSE, the famous premium audio brand that features in the all-new Micra. It comes with the unique-to-Micra

BOSE

Personal

sound

system, with twin BOSE UltraNearfield™ speakers built into the driver’s seat head rest. This innovative design, combined with BOSE signal processing, provides a spacious and immersive 360° listening experience for the driver.

The sound can also be personalised to suit the driver’s tastes with the help of the BOSE PersonalSpace Control feature built into the Micra’s audio settings. It provides an adjustable range of options, from a precise and front-focused sound to a much wider and enveloping experience.

Marc Mansell, Vice President, BOSE Automotive Systems, commented: “We engineered the BOSE Personal sound system to deliver unexpectedly big sound from a 62 | Endeavour Magazine

limited number of components. Using just

program. Stylish orange finishers are fitted

six high-performance speakers and our latest

to the front and rear bumper, doors, door

signal processing technology, the system

mirrors and 17-inch alloy wheels. All are

rewards Micra owners with a superior,

added by hand in the factory – in Flins,

fully-customisable audio experience unlike

France – for a guaranteed high-quality finish.

anything else available today.”

Full LED headlamps create a striking

The Nissan Micra BOSE Personal Edition

night-time signature for the car, as well

is available in one of two vibrant exterior

as exceptional visibility for improved road

colours – Enigma Black or Gunmetal Grey –

safety. The finishing touches to the exterior

and each is enhanced with Energy Orange

are the high-quality anodised black and

elements from the Micra’s personalisation

orange stickers on the roof and bonnet,

plus unique BOSE Personal badging on the

includes the NissanConnect infotainment

also fitted. Intelligent Around View Monitor

Micra’s B-pillars.

system with DAB digital radio and satellite

– Nissan’s innovative parking camera system

navigation, Nissan Intelligent Key and an arm

– plus Idle Stop&Start, heated front seats

rest between the front seats.

and a spare wheel are all on the options list.

Personalisation is also a key part of the car’s interior appeal. Soft-touch, doublestitched Energy Orange material has been

It also comes with the Safety Pack

To maximise customer choice, the Nissan

used to enhance the look of the dashboard

as standard, which includes Intelligent

Micra BOSE Personal Edition is available

and gear surround, while there’s matching

Emergency

Braking

Pedestrian

with either the 0.9-litre 90 PS three-cylinder

detailing on the seats, floor mats and

Recognition,

Traffic

Recognition

downsized turbo petrol engine or the

door sills. As it’s based on Tekna trim, the

and High Beam Assist. Intelligent Lane

1.5-litre 90 PS turbodiesel. It will go on sale

Micra BOSE Personal Edition already has

Intervention – a technology which smoothly

this summer.

a high level of standard equipment. This

guides the car back to the centre of a lane – is

with Sign

Endeavour Magazine | 63

TSU PROTECTION SERVICES WWW.TSUAFRICA.COM // 27 21 385 0116

TO PROTECT AND SERVE Offering a variety of security solutions throughout South Africa, TSU Protection Services operates in accordance with staggeringly high levels of professionalism and Endeavour Magazine investigated, to discover if that’s the key to the company’s success.

WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON

TSU PROTECTION SERVICES Founded in 1999, TSU Protection Services (TSU)

went into a new millennium with one mandate; to fill an observable gap in the market for effective, professional security and protection solutions throughout South Africa. Starting out as they meant to go on, the exceptionally high standards that permeated every endeavour, right from the start of the company’s inception, has meant that interest has been registered from large, international security operation, for representation on a more local level.

S

o let’s ask the pertinent question; why is security so important?

experts combined with their commitment to excellence further add

We asked TSU CEO, Chris Beukes, to explain,

value and often create additional opportunities for our clients.”

“It’s important to lower the risk of whatever you are doing

Other than the ethics and experience that a company can boast,

and to ensure that your people, money and interests are safe.

this really demonstrates how to judge the reliability and resources

South Africa is particularly pertinent in terms of needing protection

of a security operation; by looking at who their clients typically are.

services. It’s important to always remember that people are one

TSU is proud to offer security solutions for everyone, but with a

of the most important assets, as you can’t just replace a high-

huge base of impressive blue-chip companies at the core of their

level executive the next day if something happens. An accident or

respected client base, TSU is really setting the standard by which all

hijacking is always possible, but that risk can be severely impacted

other protection services should be judged. Chris expanded,

by having the right security detail.”

“We have a wide variety of clients, from the banking, mining,

If there’s one thing that TSU knows all about, it’s why choosing

legal and telecommunications sectors, as well as private individuals.

the right security company for your need is so important and it’s

We are absolutely here for everyone and always keen to offer a

not a decision they want you to take lightly. In the modern business

tailored security solution.”

world, failure to protect your assets can result in a loss of profit and

Speaking of sound business ethics, you’d have to go a long way

even danger to staff and property, all of which will have a massive

to find a company that prides itself on its staunch morality and

impact on the longevity of an operation, but what constitutes the

commitment to reliability, more than TSU. If there is ever even a

‘right team’?

vague concern that a contract cannot be completed, it simply isn’t

“We pride ourselves on the knowledge that our members

taken on,

undergo a strict selection and training process based on the

“At TSU Protection Services, we will only commit to a potential

methodologies used by specialised units in the South African Police

project or a contract if we know that we can meet and deliver the

and Military.”

requirements according to our own unique high standards and

While these credentials are impressive in their own right,

service levels. A project will never be accepted unless we are sure

there is an added dedication to providing the very best protection

that we have the resources to deliver. We work closely with the

services that only TSU is really known for,

official law enforcement agencies and adhere strictly to the letter

“Our broad blue-chip client base bears testimony to our ability

of the law, a boundary that will never be overstepped.”

to ensure that our clients’ needs are met and their security risks

While this dedication to upholding the law and protecting

reduced. A broad base of expertise, experience and resources

clients and their interests runs through the core of TSU, at no point

ensures that we deliver the best results attainable for each

will anyone be worked with unless they hold similarly rigid and

assignment. The sophisticated skills of our highly qualified team of

ethical principles,

66 | Endeavour Magazine

Endeavour Magazine | 67

TSU PROTECTION SERVICES “A project will never be accepted from a client who does not conform to the same ethics and principles that we do.”

with people or work with local partners in different countries.

Background checks are a natural part of this process, as executives

It seems like a logical step to find out exactly what TSU is looking

are always keen to know who they are potentially entering into

for, in terms of clients. Naturally, this is a risk-heavy industry and

business with, especially if they are in different countries. This

as such, TSU is cautious to always be protecting the professional

simply offers peace of mind and less risk. We’ve experienced a 35-

members that make up its team, so what steps are taken to ensure

40% growth in the last year, which has lead to a more international

that? Chris explained,

reach.”

“Our staff are the backbone of the company, so we spend a

With a keen eye on all things security and protection, it’s a

lot of time and money maintaining their knowledge and updating

fair assumption that TSU is prepared for anything and while its

their training to the newest standards, as we are conscious of

reputation is going from strength to strength, what does the future

their personal safety, as well as their expertise, always being a top

hold?

priority. In a bid to keep our staff members safe, we tick all the

“We have a long-term vision to see more international growth.

necessary boxes, keep up their training and don’t leave them to

We want to work for many more blue-chip companies and top-level

further their own education. Because of this, we have a low staff

executives, though that is already happening. We would like to see

turnover, which in turn, leads to the protection of our good name.”

a large chunk of the market, cornered by us and in a global sense,

Given that TSU is widely regarded as one of the premier security

we want to be the standard by which all other security companies

solutions provider in South Africa, it must have an extensive list of

measure themselves. We’re not just a small company from South

services, right? Extensive doesn’t even come close! From executive

Africa and we expect to be here for the next 100 years.”

protection through to guarding, training and even armed escort

Whatever the future brings, one thing is certain; anyone

offerings, if you need it protecting, TSU is more than capable of

entrusting their business to the capable, experienced and dedicated

rising to the challenge and its reach is consistently expanding,

members of TSU that ensure iron-clad security and protection will

“We take up a lot of work throughout Africa now. We have a journey-management centre is in place, meaning that we can travel

68 | Endeavour Magazine

be in exceptionally safe hands.

AMAZING WORLD THE RACE TO THE HEAVENS: THE SUPER-TALL AND MEGA-TALL REVOLUTION

W

hen it comes to the design and

Gulf and China, but this phenomenon in fact

such as The Great Pyramid of Giza, , which

construction of buildings, there

has roots extending back millennia.

was so impressive a tour de force that even

is no such thing as architectural

Since ancient times, as the stories of

today, experts and engineers remain puzzled

modesty: bigger is undoubtedly better. Ever

the Tower of Babel and the doomed flight

as to how it was actually built. Then there

taller, ever grander structures have long

of Icarus show us, man has ever been

is the Lighthouse of Alexandria, another of

been the ultimate symbol of prestige, power

infatuated with the dream of reaching up

the original Wonders of the World, which

and national/imperial virility for the groups

into the skies, and naturally we have gone

was badly damaged by earthquakes in 956,

capable of creating them. Today, the drive

to great efforts over the course of history to

1303, and finally destroyed in 1328. At

to build big has become almost synonymous

realise it. The results of these efforts have led

somewhere between 120-137m in height,

with the rising powers of the oil-rich Persian

to some of man’s greatest accomplishments,

the Lighthouse of Alexandria was for four

70 | Endeavour Magazine

ever since. However, the past decade has witnessed the emergence of two new categories of skyscraper that are taller still, known as ‘super-talls’ – structures which according to the Council on Tall Buildings and Habitats rise higher than 300m, and more recently, ‘mega-talls,’ which refers to those exceeding 600m in height. Make no mistake about it, they quite literally leave even the greatest and tallest of their 20th century predecessors in the shade.

Take Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, for example, which at 828m from base to roof is currently the world’s tallest building, and twice the height of the iconic Empire State Building – a 471m high super-tall which was built half a century before the category was first coined.

To make up the top-three at the time of writing, there are then the Shanghai Tower in China and New York’s One World Trade Center at 632m and 541m respectively, and an array of around 50 other super-talls which have sprung up on the skylines of the world’s leading cities.

It is telling that over the 70 years prior to the turn of the millennium, the record for the world’s tallest building changed by only 230ft, and since this time it has risen by over 1,200ft. What’s more, over the decade to come, even taller towers will soon grace the skies. Less than a decade after it was built, the Burj Khalifa is set to lose its crown to Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah Tower, which at 1,008m tall will surpass both Dubai’s crown jewel and the one kilometre barrier centuries one of the tallest buildings in the

1884 with the construction of the Home

in height. By 2020, Jeddah Tower will be the

ancient world.

Insurance Building in Chicago, which thanks

tallest of seven mega-tall skyscrapers, and

But of course, as magnificent as the

to its pioneering structural steel frame

hundreds of super-talls that are currently in

great efforts of our forebears might be, it is

reached the then-heady heights of 138 ft

the process of being built or in in their final

only in the last century and a half that our

over 10 stories – sufficient enough height to

planning stages.

technological and engineering prowess has

first to earn the label ‘skyscraper’. And as the

It is difficult to imagine the race to the

evolved to the stage where the construction

succession of ever taller iconic structures

skies slowing anytime soon – only money

of truly towering skyscrapers has become

that followed has shown, be it the Empire

and ambition stands as an obstacle to the

possible. The starting gun for the modern-

State Building in New York or Kuala Lumpur’s

first 1,500m tall building, and then the

age race to the sky was arguably fired in

Petronas Towers, the sky has been the limit

magical mile-high barrier after that.

Endeavour Magazine | 71