Glavbolgarstroy was recognized with an award at the first-ever “Construction Project of the Black Sea Coast” competition, held in Tsarevo.

The Minister of Regional Development, Ivan Ivanov, presented the top award in the “Port Infrastructure” category. The award was accepted on behalf of the construction holding by eng. Krasen Valchev—Executive Director of the Glavbolgarstroy Group and Project Manager for the construction of Berth No. 28 at the Port Terminal Burgas-West.

“This award is not just a distinction, but a testament to the professionalism, dedication, and effort invested in the successful completion of this project. We are confident that its realization will serve as a catalyst for the development of port infrastructure in Bulgaria and the region,” Eng. Valchev shared with attendees.

The new berth has an operational length of 260 meters and will accommodate vessels with a gross tonnage of up to 80,000 tons, a beam of 36 meters, and a draft of 14.5 meters. It will specialize in handling containers and general cargo. The project is expected to enhance both maritime and rail freight transport in Bulgaria while also contributing to a reduction in harmful emissions associated with port operations.

The implementation of the project employed a range of innovative technologies. Dredging operations were carried out using purpose-built vessels and a backhoe dredger mounted on a floating pontoon. Self-propelled split hopper barges, crawler cranes, and long-reach excavators equipped with GPS systems were used for underwater rock fill operations, ensuring precise positioning and leveling at significant depths. A key element in the project’s success was the construction of a floating work platform, which supported part of the specialized construction equipment.

During the project, a rarely used technique in Bulgaria—deep vibro-compaction of rock fill—was applied. Nine reinforced concrete caissons were constructed and installed to form the gravity quay wall of Berth No. 28. All underwater activities were meticulously planned and executed using multiple hydrographic surveys with multibeam echo sounders, and professional commercial divers were involved in the underwater operations.

The forum was a joint initiative of the Bulgarian Construction Chamber, the Stroitel newspaper, and the Municipality of Tsarevo. It featured projects completed in Bulgaria between 2020 and 2025.

Official guests included Minister of Regional Development Ivan Ivanov, Member of the European Parliament Andrey Novakov, the mayors of Primorsko and Tsarevo, and Eng. Iliyan Terziev, Chairman of the Management Board of the Bulgarian Construction Chamber.

The primary selection criteria for the competition focused on the project's public contribution to the region, improvements to quality of life, and enhancement of regional competitiveness.