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170 m3
Monaco
P. Raymond
5 tanks
170 m3
Monaco
Patrick Raymond
The Oceanic Institute is a foundation established in 1906 by Prince Albert I of Monaco.
Its main location, the Oceanographic Museum, is dedicated to educational exhibitions and environmental mediation. Located at 85 m on a cliff above the sea, its public aquarium receives visitors on 6,500 m² dedicated to the marine ecosystems from the Mediterranean to the tropics.
The Oceanographic Institute required custom-made tanks for a new 550 m² rescue sea turtle amenity:
The rescue centre needed to house the sea turtles of the Mediterranean Sea, especially loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) and green turtles (Chelonia mydas). These marine animals can measure up to 120 cm.
© M. Dagnino – Institut océanographique
The Oceanographic Institute required custom-made tanks for a new 550 m² rescue sea turtle amenity:
The rescue centre needed to house the sea turtles of the Mediterranean Sea, especially loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) and green turtles (Chelonia mydas). These marine animals can measure up to 120 cm.
© M. Dagnino – Institut océanographique
To ensure the sea turtles’ well-being, the system of the open-air pool had to be capable of compensating for the outdoor variables, such as the air temperature and the evaporation level related to sunshine and as a result, monitor and adjust the water level, the water temperature and the water quality parameters.
Ensuring the sea turtles could display their natural behaviour by providing an uneven pool shape as natural as possible with a few hiding places was also a key element of the project.
The care centre and the open-air rehabilitation pool needed a separate hydraulic loop with their own aquatic life support system. Still, both required seawater pumping, heating and cooling, and wastewater treatment was needed. The specifications of each area are as follows:
From writing the specifications to the effective commissioning of the project, this project happened over 24 months as follows:
01
We organised a first video conference with the stakeholders during the initial project phase. It allowed us to get a first understanding of the requirements, objectives and budget of the project. We carefully analysed the gathered information to provide clarity and a rough estimate regarding technical solutions and costs.
For such an ambitious project, the task allocation between the internal teams and external service providers was at the heart of the discussions. We sent back our initial idea within 2 weeks.
02
After 3 months of internal validation by the technical experts and caregiver team of the Oceanographic Institute, we organised an on-site meeting. It involved visiting the premises and having informal meet-ups.
To ensure effective project coordination, meeting the contact persons of IT, operations, and procurement departments is always a key success factor. Ultimately, the Oceanographic Institute officially requested a quote and a preliminary design.
03
During the preliminary design phase, our team dedicated their efforts to creating a preliminary piping and instruction diagram (PID) that outlined the functional aspects of the outdoor pool and care centre. Building upon the work of architects and measurers, we provided a preliminary design, a work schedule and a price offer for our services approximately 2 months later.
To guide the project team, we produced photorealistic 3D renderings to interact with the architects, quantity surveyors, construction economists, structure design engineers, and aquarium design engineers, all involved in the project.
3 months later, we reached the concept-design phase, which addressed the challenge posed by the 10 m-long window of the outdoor pool. We proposed a 21.5cm thick window in PMMA to ensure structural integrity while providing an immersive viewing experience, thanks to the capacity of the material to allow 90 to 99% of light rays transmission (contrary to glass).
After 4 months, we completed the final version of the detailed design, incorporating technical details such as the diameter of every single pipe and the exact piping layout. We communicated these technical requirements to internal teams and external providers like the construction company. These requirements included inlet and outlet design, HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems, wall and floor technical coating, and LAN connections.
Throughout this stage, as the premises were not yet ready, we worked based on drawings the architects and measurers provided. We could progress to the project’s next phase once we obtained our client’s signature on the recommended specifications.
04
The bid for tender phase of the project lasted approximately three months. During this period, we were responsible for creating comprehensive bid documentation. This documentation included detailed price offers organised in comparable lots, technical drawings, and specifications.
Acting as advisors to the Oceanographic Institute, we assisted in shortlisting construction companies. We analysed their quotes from both technical and financial perspectives. We established a scoring system and participated in negotiation talks to ensure the best value for money. Ultimately, we helped award contracts aligned with the project’s requirements and objectives.
For example, the glass for the outdoor pool was ordered from Japan based on our specific specifications. This attention to detail in procurement helped ensure the quality and suitability of materials for the project.
05
Our commitment to providing comprehensive support throughout the project extended to on-site project management. Working alongside a team of 20 professionals, including caregivers from the oceanographic museum, we facilitated the entire construction process of the turtle rescue centre.
We conducted regular site meetings throughout the construction phase, typically every 1 to 2 weeks. These meetings allowed us to oversee the project’s progress, address issues, and ensure effective communication among all stakeholders. In collaboration with the construction and installation companies, we meticulously validated shop drawings and approved technical specifications of installed materials, such as pipes and equipment like pumps.
A critical aspect of our project management role was validating all invoices, carefully monitoring the work progress, and ensuring that each invoice accurately reflected the completed tasks. This meticulous approach allowed us to control the project’s financial flow and promptly address discrepancies or concerns. We also remained vigilant in managing unforeseen events and adjusting the project schedule to maintain fluidity and timely completion.
The project led to a multi-million-euro investment that fulfilled the client’s needs and attracts 675,000 visitors annually.
Recently, the Oceanographic Institute concluded international collaborations with Monaco Scientific Center, Oceanopolis in Brest – France, Burgers’ Zoo in Arnhem – Netherlands, and Nausicaa in Boulogne-sur-Mer – France.
Here are some of the media coverage this new facility received:
The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco is now also a user of our fish colony management software, Fishlab.