China-Maldives Friendship Bridge's eco-friendly construction

The China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, constructed by the CCCC Second Harbor Engineering Co, spans two kilometers, connecting the capital Male with the Airport Island. Within a short construction period of 33 months, the builders overcame challenges such as constructing on coral reef geology, and adhered to eco-friendly principles to protect the local environment.

Environmental protection is essential to economic development in the Maldives. The local standards for the discharge and treatment of construction waste are stringent, with strict rules for construction organization and site management. As a result, construction site management for the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge was meticulous, down to the collection of every welding slag.

To prevent welding slag from falling into the sea and causing pollution, the project implemented strict measures for slag collection, using steel tubes as collection tools. These tubes, made from 30 centimeters in height and approximately 6 centimeters diameter scrap steel pipes, were used to collect welding rods as well as welding slag.

This practice was maintained throughout the bridge's entire construction process. On Aug 30, 2018, when the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge opened to traffic, the local ecosystem remained intact.