24 Feb Sustainable Marine Foundations at Shebara Resort, Red Sea
Shebara Resort is an iconic eco-luxury development in Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea, featuring striking mirrored steel structures powered by renewable solar energy. Built within a sensitive marine environment of sand and coralline limestone, the project required a foundation solution that would protect the seabed and surrounding coral ecosystems while ensuring long-term durability.
Optimal Marine Foundation Solution
Conventional design and construction methods by reclaiming the sea are commonly adopted in the Middle east region, causing huge damage to the marine environment.
Steel pile systems were not considered due to their high material cost and the extensive corrosion protection required in aggressive marine conditions. Steel pile long-term durability in seawater typically demands heavy coatings, cathodic protection, and ongoing maintenance — increasing both capital and lifecycle costs.
To achieve structural reliability with lower environmental and maintenance impact, ICP Spun Piles were selected as the preferred marine foundation solution. The piles were directly driven using a modified piling machine mounted on a barge, allowing efficient installation with controlled impact and minimal disturbance to the seabed.
Efficient Installation of High-Strength Spun Piles
A total of 7,100 pile points were installed using Class C Grade 100 ICP Spun Piles, with diameters ranging from 450 mm to 700 mm and lengths between 8 m and 22 m.
These high-strength spun piles provide:
- Excellent load-bearing performance
- Superior durability in marine environments
- High resistance to seawater chlorides and sulfate attack
- Reduced long-term maintenance requirements
Despite challenging marine conditions, installation was carried out efficiently, keeping the project on schedule.
Sustainable Foundations with a Lower Carbon Footprint
ICP’s hollow circular pile design enhances material efficiency by reducing concrete usage and overall pile weight while maintaining structural capacity. Combined with simplified installation and lower long-term maintenance needs, this solution contributes to a reduced overall carbon footprint — aligning with: Shebara Resort’s sustainability vision and Saudi Arabia’s commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2060.
A Trusted Foundation for the Future
The Shebara Resort project highlights how durability, efficiency, and environmental responsibility can be achieved in marine foundation design.
ICP Spun Piles continue to support sustainable developments — delivering strength, longevity, and responsible construction for the future.
