Dohaland said it has awarded a QR182 million ($50.4 million) design and build contract for two district cooling plants in its flagship Musheireb project to a subsidiary of Drake & Scull International (DSI).

Drake & Scull Water and Power (DSWP) said the contractual scope of work included the detailed designing and construction of district cooling plants comprising the chiller plants and cooling towers plus all equipment and services.

The total capacity of the two proposed district cooling plants is 29,250 tr (refrigeration tonnes).

Mohammad Masoud Al Marri, director (projects), Dohaland, said the contract was another important milestone in the construction of the Musheireb project which was progressing on schedule.

“The vast experience of our partners, substantiated by the quality and delivery of their previous work, was a major consideration in their selection to undertake the project,” Al Marri said.

The contract also covers the design and construction of a chilled water reticulation network including valves and valve chamber details, the design and construction of complete mechanical electrical and plumbing (MEP) building services for the plants and the testing and commissioning of the plants as well as the operation and maintenance of the district cooling plants for a minimum period of five years. 

Khaldoun Tabari, CEO of Drake & Scull International, pointed out that the Musheireb project win indicated the rapid dissemination of DSWP in the GCC market.

Setting new standards
“DSWP is proud to take on the vital role of strategic service provider in this remarkable development which seeks to set new standards for inner city developments in the Gulf region. It’s immensely satisfying to see that DSWP’s perseverance and dedication is resulting in success through the attainment of major projects such as this one,” Tabari added.

Al Marri said that given Dohaland’s focus on sustainability and the environment, the district cooling system would provide an energy-efficient approach to the Musheireb project.

Dohaland recently confirmed that work on the project was proceeding on schedule and raft concrete pouring for phase 1A of the project was currently under progress. Phase 1A of Musheireb is due for completion in 2012 with the overall project expected to be ready by 2016.