CRC Evans (CRCE), a company specializing in welding, welding technology, and coating services, has been awarded a contract renewal for a crucial water pipeline project in Morocco. The project is being led by the state-owned OCP Group, which is constructing a 219-kilometer water pipeline to transport desalinated water from its facilities in Jorf Lasfar on the Atlantic coast to its operations in Khouribga, as part of efforts to address water shortages in the region.
This contract marks CRCE's second involvement in the project, following the successful completion of the first phase in 2024. During this phase, CRCE collaborated with local contractors to complete 4,000 welds on a 72-kilometer section of a 52-inch diameter pipe.
In the new phase, CRCE will manage the welding operations for 150 kilometers of steel water pipeline. The pipeline will include 56-inch and 40-inch diameter pipes, requiring approximately 12,000 welds. CRCE’s equipment for this phase will include its internal welding machine and P-625 dual torch external welding equipment, along with manual tie-in welding solutions and specialist welding technicians.
“We’re very pleased to have secured a new contract for this project on the back of work carried out to date; it confirms our client’s confidence to continue to work with us on such a fantastic project, which will bring huge benefits to the local population,” said Henk DeGraaf, Onshore Director at CRC Evans. “Shortage of water is a major problem in Morocco, and this pipeline will provide desalinated water for fertilizer production, agriculture, and industrial community projects, freeing up pressure on local water resources.”
Steven Mackay, Director of Renewables & Infrastructure at CRC Evans, noted, “Our world-leading expertise in coatings and welding, both in terms of our experienced personnel and groundbreaking technology such as our internal welding equipment, with its higher rate of productivity, are crucial in the current project and future water projects to come.”
CRCE, known for its expertise in coating and welding services across various sectors, including oil and gas, continues to target new markets. The company has recently established a new division focused on renewables and infrastructure, which provides specialist welding and coating services for the utilities sector, including water and domestic gas pipelines. This expansion positions CRCE to support projects under Asset Management Plan 8 (AMP 8), the latest regulatory framework aimed at improving the delivery of water and wastewater facilities in the UK. Running through 2030, AMP 8 is expected to generate multi-billion-pound business opportunities for companies in this sector.
