November 2005

Order for Membrane Bioreactor in Gulf

Aquator Emirates – a subsidiary of Aquator Bahrain - has secured an order to supply submersible membrane units and engineering services for a state-of-the-art underground MBR Water Recycling Plant at Palm Jumeirah off the western coast of Dubai, (United Arab Emirates).

In February 2004, Aquator Bahrain was acquired by UK company ACWA Services Ltd - the environmental arm of Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC).

The MBR water recycling plant will be installed at one end of the trunk part of Palm Islands – the world’s largest man-made islands, currently being built in the shape of date palms and often referred to as "The Eighth Wonder of the World".

Aquator Emirates, together with main contractor Metito Overseas Ltd (MOL), bid the project against numerous competitors offering various alternative technologies. The MBR process was preferred because of its ability to produce effluent of a higher quality in a small footprint.

The MBR plant - to be constructed completely below ground - will incorporate Biological Nutrient Removal and cater for a flow of 12,000m3/d with future expansion to 16,000m3/d. Aquator will assist in the operational phase of the project, scheduled for a period of eight years. All treated water recycled by the MBR plant will be used on the islands for irrigation purposes.

The Palm Islands project, which is being handled by Al Nakheel Properties, will increase Dubai’s shoreline by 120km (72 miles) and create a large number of residential, leisure and entertainment areas. The concept of two groups of resort islands, in the shape of date palms - first announced in May 2002 - is expected to maintain Dubai’s position as a premium tourist destination.

Aquator Bahrain has led the introduction of submerged membrane technology into the Middle East with 10 plants fully operational or under construction in locations such as Turkey, Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Oman. As part of ACWA Services, Aquator Bahrain is the exclusive licensee for Kubota membranes in the Middle East. As a result of fast developing business, the company has recently opened an office in Dubai.