The 1 600 million scheme is a joint venture between the UK's National Grid and energy transmission company TenneT in the Netherlands, and will create a permanent link to transport electricity between the two countries via a 260km cable laid under the North Sea. As well as ensuring a secure source of electricity, the Interconnector will open up the European energy market by increasing diversity of supply and enabling energy trading. Experts were commissioned from both Royal Haskoning's Dutch and UK offices. Royal Haskoning Netherlands provided engineering design and architecture for the two converter facilities, to be based on the Isle of Grain in Kent and at Maasvlakte in the Netherlands. Royal Haskoning UK was brought in to oversee the design and layout of the Grain converter facility, and to use their expertise to overcome specific challenges such as poor ground conditions. Carl Jones, Project Manager for Royal Haskoning UK, said: " The integrated approach between the Royal Haskoning teams was key to the scheme's success. Royal Haskoning Netherlands brought extensive experience from working on NorNed, an interconnector project in Norway, while the UK team provided construction and legislative expertise to ensure the optimum outcome of the Grain converter facility." Preparation of the 100 acre Grain site began in 2008. The challenge for Royal Haskoning was to strengthen the ground, a mixture of loose clay and gravel, so it could support the converter facility. Measuring an impressive 140 metres long by 43 metres wide, the facility also houses six 240 tonne transformers. The ground was stabilised using driven cast in- situ piling. Over four months 1250 hollow steel tubes, each 30 metres long and half a metre wide, were driven into the land and filled with concrete. The tubes distribute the weight of the building towards deeper ground, Electricity providers and consumers across Europe will benefit from the favourable market conditions and secure supply created by the success of the BritNed Interconnector. The expertise demonstrated by Royal Haskoning's multidisciplinary team throughout the design, construction and implementation phases of the project was commendable. Nick Pethick, Civil Consultant, BritNed " " BritNed a conglomerate of National Grid and TenneT Holding B. V. BAM Civiel Netherlands Construction BAM Nuttall Ltd UK Construction BAM Grondtechniek Piling Design ACDP Consulting Engineers UK Building Services Design EES Group Earthing Design and compress the shallower earth above to increase its load bearing capacity. The outer building and substructures of both converter facilities were completed in 2009 and the 260 kilometre, 1000 megawatt capacity cable is currently being laid beneath the North Sea by a specialist cable- laying vessel. The BritNed Interconnector will be operational in 2011. When BritNed is live, it will become part of a new era of trans- European energy networks, offering a secure supply of electricity with significant benefits for energy producers and consumers. Royal Haskoning is currently working with other European countries to evaluate the feasibility of building future electricity links. For a full account of this project go to: www. royalhaskoning. co. uk or www. britned. com Carl Jones c. jones@ royalhaskoning. com rangeinternational >> 13

The seismic survey covered an area sensitive for its marine life including cetaceans and turtles. The area also hosts some of Bahrain's most important shrimping grounds within Bahrain's territorial waters. PHE Gulf's work included conducting an extensive consultation programme with government ministries and NGO's to ensure that the ecological sensitivity of the area was recognized and that the survey programme minimized interference with the Bahrain's historic shrimping industry. For further information Simon Chamberlayne + 973 1753 3259 simon@ phegulf. com. bh Offshore seismic acquisition programme in the Arabian Gulf PTTEP Bahrain commissioned Posford Haskoning Environment Gulf to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment for an offshore seismic acquisition programme of over 540 km in Bahrain's territorial waters. edition 1 2010 range international Range International is a Royal Haskoning publication. This digital magazine in English is intended for business contacts and other interested parties worldwide. In addition, Royal Haskoning publishes a corporate edition in Dutch ( Range) and an edition geared towards the United Kingdom ( Range UK). The latest editions of these magazines can be read at any time at: www. royalhaskoning. com Editor: Suzanne Hendriksen, Marketing & Communications, Royal Haskoning Copywriting: Sheng Chi Communications, Westra Redactionele Producties, Marketing & Communications Royal Haskoning Design & layout: Charles Whalley Advertising Ltd We always welcome comments from our readers. If you have any questions or feedback about anything you have read in Range, then please email: range@ royalhaskoning. com For further information about Royal Haskoning, please visit our corporate website at: www. royalhaskoning. com