CEMEX Contributes to the Development of Key Seaports in France and Panama

• CEMEX is contributing to the construction of a caisson, an enormous, floating concrete structure, in the Grand Port Maritime de Marseille, the largest port in France with connections to every continent.
• CEMEX has also contributed to the extension of the Manzanillo International Terminal on Panama’s Atlantic coast, one of the largest and most productive container transshipment terminals in Latin America.

CEMEX is participating in the construction of an enormous floating concrete chamber in the Grand Port Maritime de Marseille, considered the largest port in France. These giant chambers, known as caissons in geotechnical engineering, are used to seal off docks and then pump out seawater until the work area is dry. This process, called drydocking, allows access to the structural areas of ships that are usually underwater in order to complete upkeep or repairs.

CEMEX technical experts worked for six months developing a ready-mix concrete with next-generation admixture that would successfully meet all quality requirements for the project. The resulting high-performance concrete was especially designed to be resistant to the effects of seawater as well as impacts from the large oil tankers that enter the port.

“CEMEX brought to the table a solid knowledge base and vast experience working with submerged worksites,” said Michel André, President of CEMEX in France. “We have an excellent team as well as the resources and processes in place to resolve any issue our customers might have quickly and effectively.”

CEMEX is also contributing to the extension of Panama’s Manzanillo International Terminal, one of the largest and most productive container transshipment terminals in Latin America. CEMEX provided a tailor-made concrete for this project that is currently ongoing on the Atlantic opening of the Panama Canal.

“It is especially gratifying to be entrusted with a project that is expected to play an important role in the future of Panama and its residents,” affirmed Andrés Jiménez, President of CEMEX in Panama. “Panama is our home too, and we are grateful to be able to contribute to its development.”

CEMEX is a global building materials company that provides high quality products and reliable service to customers and communities in more than 50 countries. CEMEX has a rich history of improving the well-being of those it serves through innovative building solutions, efficiency advancements, and efforts to promote a sustainable future.