The consortium led by Vinci Concessions SA, in partnership with SHEMA (EDF Group), has been named as preferred bidder by Voies Navigables de France (VNF) for the partnership contract covering the replacement of 29 manually operated dams on the rivers Aisne and Meuse and the installation of associated equipment.
The 30-year partnership contract involves the design, financing and construction of 29 automated dams and their associated equipment, followed by operation, and routine and heavy maintenance.
The contract also covers the deconstruction of the dams to be replaced, as well as the upgrade, operation, and routine and heavy maintenance of two dams that have already been automated. In addition, several of the dams are to be converted into micro-hydropower plants.
The construction work on the project will last for a period of less than seven years. The works will be executed by a construction joint venture led by Vinci Construction France, represented by EMCC (leader), Tournaud, GTM Lorraine and CBR TP, and including local small and medium-sized enterprises. A specially created entity, led by Vinci Concessions, will carry out operation and maintenance of the project
The project, which is a key component in the modernisation of the river infrastructure for which VNF is responsible, represents a total investment of about €270 million ($351.9 million).