Maldivian engineers complete China-Based Bridge Maintenance Training Program

A 12-day bridge maintenance training program for Maldivian engineers has concluded at CCCC Second Harbor Engineering Co (CCCC SHEC).

Six engineers from the Maldives Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure received systematic training on intelligent bridge management systems, major bridge inspection, underwater foundation assessment, and other related topics. The training combined classroom lectures, site visits, hands-on drills, and panel discussions.

During the program, participants visited Chongqing, Wuhan, and Guangzhou. They inspected the construction, operation, and maintenance of major bridge projects including the Baijusi Yangtze River Bridge, Chaotianmen Yangtze River Bridge, and Zhuankou Yangtze River Bridge. Tailored to the Maldives' local working conditions, featuring high salt spray on islands and coral reef geology, the training prioritized maintenance technical solutions suited to the Maldivian context.

Organized under the exchange of notes between the governments of China and the Maldives, this training is a key component of follow-up technical assistance for maintaining the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge. It aims to equip local Maldivian technicians with practical skills including bridge patrol and defect identification, defect remediation, anti-corrosion measures for marine environments, and intelligent operation and maintenance, supporting the Maldives in building its indigenous bridge maintenance workforce.

The China-Maldives Friendship Bridge stands as the world's first sea-crossing bridge built over deep ocean on coral reef foundations, and a flagship Belt and Road Initiative project between the two nations. Following its handover, China has maintained its support by providing technical assistance and systematic training to share hands-on maintenance expertise.

Maldivian engineers learn about the bridge operation and maintenance management system at the Baijusi Yangtze River Bridge Management Center. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Maldivian engineers study at Wuhan Zhuankou Yangtze River Bridge. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Maldivian engineers visit Chaotianmen Yangtze River Bridge. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]