The Aegina Submarine Pipeline is a landmark hydraulic engineering project, representing the first of its kind in Greece in terms of scale and depth. For decades, the island of Aegina suffered from chronic water scarcity, relying on expensive and often unreliable water tankers to meet the needs of its residents and thousands of tourists. NAMA provided the critical hydraulic, geotechnical, and environmental studies to realize this ambitious "lifeline," connecting the island directly to the EYDAP network in Salamina.
The project ensures a steady, high-quality water supply for a design population of 115,000, fundamentally changing the island's future.
Technical Specifications and Specialized Engineering
Connecting an island to the mainland via the seabed required a multidisciplinary engineering approach to withstand high pressures and the dynamic marine environment. NAMA’s scope included:
- The Submarine Main: Design of a 14.2 km high-density polyethylene (HDPE) submarine pipeline (Ø630mm), laid at depths reaching up to 95 meters. The design includes provisions for a second parallel pipe to accommodate future demand.
- Onshore Infrastructure: The system features a massive 25,000 m³ reservoir, a high-capacity pumping station, and 1 km of onshore underground piping (Ø500mm) to integrate the supply into the local network.
- Advanced Monitoring: Implementation of a sophisticated SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) telemetry system for real-time monitoring of flow, pressure, and leak detection.
- Geotechnical & Marine Survey: NAMA conducted specialized topographic surveys at a 1:1000 scale and geotechnical investigations, including coastal boreholes and laboratory testing, to secure the pipeline’s landing points.
- Environmental Stewardship: Preparation of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and securing all necessary environmental permits to ensure the marine ecosystem of the Saronic Gulf remained protected during and after construction.
Impact on the Local Community and Economy
The completion of the pipeline has had a transformative effect on the inhabitants and the local economy of Aegina:
- End of Water Scarcity: The island has moved from "water poverty" to 24/7 access to clean, potable water, eliminating the need for private tanks and the uncertainty of tanker deliveries.
- Economic Relief: By eliminating the high costs of transporting water by sea—which cost the Greek state millions annually—the project provides significant long-term savings for both the municipality and the taxpayers.
- Public Health and Quality of Life: Residents now enjoy water that meets the highest quality standards, improving daily hygiene and the overall standard of living for the local community.
- Sustainable Tourism: The reliable infrastructure allows Aegina to support its vital tourism industry sustainably, even during the peak summer months when the population swells.
For NAMA, the Aegina Submarine Pipeline project stands as a testament to our ability to deliver innovative solutions to historic problems. By combining hydraulic precision with maritime engineering, we helped secure a sustainable future for one of Greece’s most historic islands.
