Deerns played a pivotal role in the successful renovation of the runway at Ostend-Bruges International Airport, Belgium, now ready for flights and passengers in 2024.
The Hague, 23 September 2024. The runway renovation of Ostend-Bruges International Airport is complete after facing numerous challenges from start of project in 2020.Through rigorous planning, innovative solutions, and strong partnerships, Deerns delivered a future-proof design, enhancing the airport’s operational efficiency and sustainability.
The airport was closed in January 2024 and reopened in March. Deerns is completing the final administrative phase, providing as-built information and warranty details. The project includes a three-year warranty period, during which Deerns will remain available to address any issues that arise.
Deerns led a consortium including:
- AP&G for pavement design
- Planeground for planning and tracking aircraft movements
- Tracetebel for civil works
" Our role as lead consultant involved designing specific technical installations including airfield ground lighting and runway markings to meet European airport regulations and ensure certification for operational use.
Project Timeline: Concept to Completion
Initial Analysis and Planning (Q1 2020 – Q1 2021)
The project began with an extensive analysis of the existing runway conditions. This included examining as-built drawings, conducting soil and asphalt investigations, and evaluating medium and high-voltage lighting systems. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, which restricted site visits and required extensive planning for runway closures, Deerns successfully completed this phase by the first quarter of 2021.
Design Phase (Q2 2021 – Q1 2022)
During the design phase, Deerns developed six variants, each offering different solutions to meet the client’s needs. One significant proposal was the transition from halogen to LED lighting for the runway. This change, involving around 1500 lamps, aimed to save energy and reduce maintenance costs.
" Our design not only enhanced energy efficiency but also reduced the lighting infrastructure by approximately 50 kilometres of cabling and 150 lights.
Tendering and Construction (Q1 2023 – Q1 2024)
The tendering phase included drafting detailed design documents and technical specifications for the 3 kilometre-long runway. Deerns played a crucial role in advising on the bids, ensuring technical compliance and reasonable pricing. Construction began in January 2024, with contractors working up to 24 hours a day to complete the project within 10-12 weeks. Throughout this phase, Deerns conducted site visits to ensure adherence to the design, with consortium partners present on-site three days a week.
Challenges and Solutions
The project faced several significant challenges. Reflecting on these challenges, Harkink stated, “Designing during the pandemic was a learning curve for everyone. While remote working generally went well, certain aspects of the project required face-to-face meetings and on-site evaluations. The scope change and winter weather added layers of complexity, but our team’s adaptability and commitment ensured the project’s success.”
- COVID-19 Pandemic: The pandemic necessitated remote working and limited site visits, complicating coordination and communication. However, Deerns adapted quickly, leveraging digital tools to maintain progress.
- Scope Change: The initial budget constraints required a shift to a less complex renovation than initially proposed. Deerns managed this change regardless of essential runway and taxiway renovations.
- Weather Conditions: Conducting construction during the winter months posed difficulties, particularly for enlarging the turning circle, such as reinforcing and operating machinery in muddy conditions.
Here’s where Strategy and Expertise deliver success
The successful delivery of the Ostend-Bruges runway renovation is a testament to the strong collaboration between Deerns, its partners, and the client.
De runway renovation is carried out on behalf of LOM Vlaanderen (the Flemish Airport Development Company). LOM Vlaanderen is part of the Flemish government, and is responsible for the main infrastructure at Ostend-Bruges airport.
The airport operator, the Airport Exploitation Company, part of Egis, also played a significant role as the main user of the runway.
As Harkink aptly summarised, “The result was an integral, complete design package ready for construction. We are proud of the seamless cooperation with our client and partners, and the positive impact this project will have on the airport’s future operations.”
The project concluded with a unique celebration: a bicycle tour on the newly laid asphalt for everyone involved. This event symbolised the project’s innovative and collaborative approach.
Deerns’ participation in the Ostend-Bruges runway renovation showcases the company’s expertise in delivering complex, futureproof infrastructure projects. Through strategic planning, innovative design, and effective collaboration, Deerns has significantly enhanced the operational capabilities and sustainability of Ostend-Bruges Airport.
