In south Egypt, deep in the desert, massive amounts of excavation are taking place with the contribution of machinery from Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) to create high-pressure canals and basins stemming from a key section of the Nile River.
Known as the Toshka Project, this megaproject is located to the west of the major Egyptian cities of Aswan and Abu Simbel and the vast reservoir of Lake Nasser across the Nile. As one of the largest man-made lakes in the world with a surface area of 2,030m2 (5,250km2), Lake Nasser is an ample resource to supply the modern irrigation system setup in the desert, which consists of centre pivot – or waterwheel and circle – crop irrigation.
Hundreds of Volvo machines are assisting on the Toshka Project supplied through GB Auto, which has been the exclusive Volvo CE dealer in Egypt since 1999. Around 30 contractors operate on different sections of the Toshka Project, with Volvo excavators and articulated haulers removing and transporting huge amounts of earthworks to create the artificial waterways.
GB Auto and Volvo CE’s involvement in the Toshka Project stems from their success with articulated haulers on the Suez Canal expansion. This megaproject, developed in Egypt in 2014 and 2015, has heavily contributed to the global trade and logistics industry by dramatically shortening transit times of ships and cargo vessels passing through.
Volvo excavators and articulated haulers secure the scope of work for this type of megaproject. Achieving peak performance with minimal fuel consumption, the EC300D crawler excavator, for example, excels in the tough conditions of the Toshka Project. The machine’s engine boasts heightened horsepower and fuel efficiency, complemented by its electro-hydraulic system, ensuring superb control and faster cycle times. Operators using the EC480D crawler excavator, meanwhile, experience enhanced digging forces, shorter cycle times, and improved hydraulics.
Tailored for demanding off-road tasks in heavy-hauling scenarios, the Volvo A45G articulated hauler delivers consistent productivity and reliability. The A45G minimises maintenance needs, extends service intervals, and facilitates easy access to service points, collectively increasing uptime, reducing maintenance expenses, and minimising total cost of ownership and operation (TCO). Engineered for optimal efficiency, the Volvo A45G aims to achieve maximum productivity while minimising the cost per ton.
