ADEC has successfully awarded a contract for the turnkey-ready delivery of life support systems for the world’s largest and most advanced land-based coral nursery project led by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). The KAUST Coral Restoration Initiative (KCRI) at Haddah Beach, on the shores of the Red Sea in NEOM, is not just a project, but a mission to conserve, restore and enhance 100 hectares around Shushah Island. It will serve as a center showcasing global efforts to restore and protect coral reefs, underlining the urgent need for such initiatives in the face of environmental challenges.

The project is a testament to innovation, incorporating a wide range of cutting-edge technologies such as digital twins, AI, high-performance computing, autonomous robotics, marine science, remote health monitoring, and data science. Currently in the design and engineering phase, the project aims to combine coral conservation, protection, enhancement, and restoration. This contract not only demonstrates ADEC’s commitment to environmental sustainability but also marks a significant step forward in the development of KCRI.

ADEC’s scope of work includes designing, supplying, installing, and commissioning life support systems for the primary nursery facility. Spanning a vast area, the project comprises approximately 400 tanks. Among these are production tanks specifically designated for coral growth, alongside quarantine tanks dedicated to coral preservation. Additionally, the facility features a quarantine system tailored for fish, as well as tanks allocated for the acclimatization of new corals. To ensure optimal conditions for marine life, the project incorporates comprehensive water preparation and treatment systems. This project is a cornerstone in sustainability, highlighting its important role in promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices in coral farming.

Cihan Unal, Project Director of ADEC said, “We are proud that ADEC has been awarded the contract to build the LSS for KCRI land-based coral nursery project at NEOM. With the accelerating expansion of the land-based aquaculture industry, there is an urgent need for highly efficient, technically advanced equipment to facilitate coral propagation.”

Amr Atiah, Director of Special Projects at KAUST, said, “The KAUST Coral Restoration Initiative team is excited to collaborate with ADEC in providing life support systems for the world’s largest and most advanced land-based coral nursery, led by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). This partnership highlights our joint efforts to support marine ecosystems and underscores our commitment to preserving coral reefs for future generations.”

Stay tuned for further updates as the project progresses towards implementation.

More info at: www.kaust.edu.sa/html/reefscape/

About KAUST:

Established in 2009, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is a graduate research university devoted to finding solutions for some of the most pressing scientific and technological challenges in the world as well as Saudi Arabia in the areas of food and health, water, energy, environment and the digital domain. KAUST is a curiosity-driven, interdisciplinary.

KAUST brings together the best minds from around the world to advance research. More than 120 different nationalities live, work and study on campus. KAUST is also a catalyst for innovation, economic development and social prosperity, with research resulting in novel patents and products, enterprising startups, regional and global initiatives, and collaboration with other academic institutions, industries and Saudi agencies.