The challenges met in 2023 have underscored the value of our diversified business model. Our investments in public-private partnerships, particularly in the Middle East, and our ventures in real estate, as well as infrastructure and utilities in western Europe, have shown resilience, continuing to deliver positive performance despite adverse conditions.
Johan Beerlandt
Executive Vice-Chairman
Moving forward, we will selectively engage in projects that meet our risk and profit expectations, focusing on sectors where we have demonstrated excellence and continuing to invest in our core
areas – real estate, concessions, and specialised engineering and construction activities – while remaining adaptable to market dynamics. We’re also venturing into new areas closely tied to our expertise, especially those related to combating climate change, leveraging our capabilities to make a meaningful impact.
Pierre Sironval
CEO
Dear Readers,
In 2019, BESIX Group and its entities began, continued or completed hundreds of construction projects, on five continents. The multiple achievements presented in the pages of this Activity Report are representative examples of them. The Group’s 14,000 employees have once again demonstrated their talent, passion and intelligence, showing to our clients and partners the reliability of our group and the excellence which is our main purpose. I would like to congratulate them and thank them with all my heart.
More than ever, BESIX Group will need their qualities and their dedication in the months to come. In March 2020, many worksites were halted or slowed down due to the coronavirus pandemic which has spread around the world. Our first priority has been the health of our employees, their families and their respective communities, as well as actively participating in the various initiatives taken by the states in which we are present.
The second priority is the actions we are taking inside BESIX Group in order to pass through the difficult economic conditions that will follow this pandemic. Inevitably, the financial results for 2020 will suffer.
We are nonetheless confident in our group’s ability to overcome the difficulties and challenges that this crisis imposes. In addition to its employees, BESIX Group can rely on its clear strategy, its sense of entrepreneurship, as well as its financial health and operational expertise.
After four consecutive years of growth, BESIX Group closed 2019 with a record turnover of €3.3 billion and an order book of €4.8 billion, also a record. On the other hand, the consolidated net profit, at €42.2 million, is significantly lower than was forecast. Our net cash position is increasing again and our solvency ratio has been above the industry average for many years.
This financial solidity, combined with the first-rate expertise we have developed in recent years in future-oriented sectors, will help us to face the upcoming headwinds.
This forward-looking approach is demonstrated by the cutting-edge infrastructures – road, marine, airport and rail, as well as water and waste treatment – built by BESIX Group in 2019, some of which we also designed and financed, and for which we will provide operations and maintenance for decades.
This year we have also designed, built and developed high-quality buildings of various types, housing and offices in particular, as well as sports and logistics facilities. To these achievements we must also add the many specialist trades in the group’s subsidiaries, some of which contributed significantly to our result.
The pages of this activity report give a clear overview of our achievements both in our core business, that is to say construction, and in our two other major activities, real estate development and concessions. Real estate development continues to perform well with record turnover in 2019, while the concessions activity has achieved good results, particularly in the Middle East.
We hope you enjoy discovering them through the following chapters.
Another specificity that makes our group stands out in the sector, is our internal Engineering department. It is also thanks to these in-house experts that we are able, today, to meet the expectations of our clients, offering them unique Value Engineering solutions and undertaking projects of unprecedented scale and complexity.
BESIX Group’s investments in innovation are also starting to bear fruit. In 2019, we started our 3D concrete printing activities, experimented with promising new technologies on our sites, and achieved strong performance in terms of sustainability and circularity, especially in the building sector. We have constructed energy-neutral infrastructure and a new generation smart building, to which are added several promising research programmes in which we participate.
Our strong operational skills coupled to our decade-long investment in new knowledge constitute a pledge of the future. Even if it will be difficult, BESIX Group is today equipped to overcome the economic consequences of the coronavirus crisis, and then to continue to grow. We will achieve this by retaining, at the centre of our actions, the values of our group – excellence, passion, unity, co-creation and respect – and by being faithful to our purpose: «Excel in creating sustainable solutions for a better world.»
Thank you for your interest in BESIX Group and in the extraordinary projects that we are carrying out in collaboration with our clients and many partners.
Happy reading,
Johan Beerlandt
Executive Vice-Chairman
Dear Readers,
In 2019, BESIX Group celebrated its 110th anniversary.
During these eleven decades, BESIX and its entities have provided Europe, and in particular the Benelux, with state-of-the-art buildings and infrastructure. Many a time we have stood at the forefront of progress in our business sectors. In the Middle East, through our subsidiary Six Construct, we have been actively contributing to the spectacular development of the Arabian Peninsula, as early as 1965, when only few companies were keen on venturing in this region of the world. From Australia to Africa, we have built the reputation and quality brand of BESIX and its subsidiaries.
We have always been curious to experiment, to dare and to be innovative; often having the courage to do what no one else had ever done before us. The world’s tallest skyscraper, harbours or quay walls in hardly-accessible remote locations, a stadium within a limited schedule like never done before. Finally, in all circumstances, we have made sure that our projects are responding to the expectations of our clients. The year 2019 again provides multiple examples, as evidenced in this Activity Report.
Throughout its history, BESIX Group has experienced many crises, economic troubles and wars. The strength of BESIX has always been, not only to overcome them, but above all to transform them into opportunities. For instance, today we are recognised worldwide as one of the most performant companies in the maritime sector. BESIX acquired this expertise immediately after World War I, by committing to rebuild Belgium’s ruined canals and locks, to build new ones and carry out the largest infrastructure projects in the country.
The same goes for the period from World War II to the first Gulf War, and from the economic crisis of 1929 to the one of 2008. BESIX Group has always bounced back.
Again, at the start of 2020, we have entered a new time of crisis. Its origin this time is public health-related and it will undoubtedly have deep economic consequences. The coming months will be challenging and for BESIX it will certainly be no exception. However, the Board of Directors and I remain confident. Because if there has been one constant in the history of BESIX Group, it is that of having always employed the most talented, intelligent staff and workers, who are always keen to take up the challenge and explore new paths. It is they who, over the decades, have enabled our group to dare and excel. In 2020, from senior management to workers, BESIX Group can count on the best and I have tremendous confidence in them. Together, we will not only survive this crisis, but will transform it, I am convinced, into new opportunities.
Pierre Sironval
CEO
17-01 BESIX receives the Top Employer certificate for the fourth consecutive time (Belgium).
21-01 The project Atlantis The Royal is festively inaugurated. The 400,000 m2 ultra-luxurious resort comprises a hotel with 795 rooms and suites, and 231 serviced apartments (UAE).
25-01 The sustainable smart office building ICÔNE is inaugurated after 2.5 years of construction. This new icon in Belval is a development of BESIX RED and was built by LuxTP and BESIX (Grand Duchy of Luxembourg).
31-01 BESIX receives the permit for the Portonave project in the port of Navegantes. The project includes an upgrade of the existing port infrastructure (Brazil).
08-02 BESIX Nederland reaches the highest point of DPG Media Nederland’s new headquarters ‘Mediavaert’ in Amsterdam (The Netherlands).
14-02 BESIX and BESIX Environ- ment successfully test a tower crane on green hydrogen at the BESIX Equipment Department’s site in Sint-Pieters-Leeuw (Belgium).
18-02 The plinth, including the level one slab and core walls of the Abu Dhabi Guggenheim Museum is complete. The steel structure of the first gallery is completed as well (UAE).
16-03 Sluishuis in Amsterdam (The Netherlands) and the Deloitte University near Paris (France) both win a MIPIM Award 2023, respectively in the category ‘Best Residential Project’ and ‘Best Alternative Project’. Subsidiary Vanhout’s Collegium in Zottegem (Belgium) is among the finalists as well.
27-03 BESIX receives the availability certificate for the new 78,000 m2 master building for the Antwerp Local Police Force. A 25-year maintenance period follows (Belgium).
30-03 The new headquarters of subsidiary Socogetra, built by subsidiary Wust, are inaugurated in Marche-en-Famenne, in time for its 75th birthday (Belgium).
24-04 The consortium De Groene Boog pours the last concrete batch for the energy-neutral Rottemeren Tunnel, which is part of the A16 highway project in Rotterdam (The Netherlands).
28-04 The BESIX Group Global Safety Time Out takes place with a focus on the BE SAFE Principles, on all BESIX sites around the world. More than 21,500 employees of BESIX and sub- contractors participate.
04-05 The Zayed City Schools project is awarded the Social Infrastructure Deal of the Year 2022 for the Middle East & Africa region at the IJGlobal Awards (UAE).
11-05 The ground-breaking ceremony takes place at the Nordhavn Tunnel project in Copenhagen, officially marking the start of construction (Denmark).
15-05 BESIX Watpac delivers Australian Catholic University’s new Saint Teresa of Kolkata building on Fitzroy’s campus in Melbourne (Australia).
22-05 BESIX Europe and entities in Belgium successfully retain Level 5 certification in the annual CO2 Performance Ladder audit (Belgium).
31-05 The Zayed City Schools project is awarded the Social Infrastructure Deal of the Year 2022 for the Middle East & Africa region at the IJGlobal Awards (UAE).
07-06 In Dubai, the Shindagha Corridor is reopened to traffic further to the completion of works on two flyover bridges (with six lanes in each direction), a one-lane ramp, and a two-lane tunnel (UAE).
09-06 Subsidiary LuxTP and BESIX Environment inaugurate two wastewater treatment installations in Putscheid and Nachtmanderscheid (Grand Duchy of Luxembourg).
09-06 The project team on Triangle removes the last horizontal strut elements of the foundation works of the tower, paving the way for the vertical construction of the tower itself (France).
09-06 BESIX successfully completes the process of assessing the certification of its Building Information Modelling (BIM) methodology according to the standards ISO 19650 and PAS 1192 and is awarded the KitemarkTM Certificate.
10-06 As part of the works on State Road 318 in Valfabbrica, BESIX colleagues reach the 500-metre mark in the excavation of the 1,545-metre-long Casacastalda tunnel (Italy).
11-06 BESIX and BESIX Infra teams place the second and final bridge section over the Brussels Ring Road in Zaventem (Belgium).
20-06 BESIX and its partner Hitachi Zosen Inova announce the successful ignition of the first fire at the Dubai Waste-to-Energy project, and welcome HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai (UAE).
20-06 BESIX Watpac celebrates the successful lift of the first major steel structure for the Te Kaha Stadium in Christchurch (New Zealand).
13-07 The Guggenheim Museum reaches a remarkable safety milestone of 10 million man-hours without Lost Time Incident, while the Zayed National Museum achieved 15 million man-hours a few weeks earlier (UAE).
17-07 The Abidjan Exhibition Centre is inaugurated in the presence of Ivorian officials (Ivory Coast).
19-07 BESIX Group introduces BESIX Technology, a new business venture strengthening its diversification efforts through investment in PropTech startups and VC funds.
21-07 Subsidiary LuxTP celebrates its 50th anniversary (Grand Duchy of Luxembourg).
28-07 BESIX Middle East is awarded the prestigious Gold Impact Seal by the National CSR Fund, for its alignment with the principles of sustainable impact, environmental, social, and governance impact, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
30-07 The Huccorgne Viaduct, located on the E42/A15 motorway between Liège and Namur, fully reopens to traffic after undergoing a remarkable transformation (Belgium).
29-08 Subsidiary Vanhout delivers a new state-of-the-art wooden cycling track in Heusden-Zolder (Belgium).
06-09 BESIX Infra acquires the first all-electric roller in Belgium. This groundbreaking machine sets itself apart from its counterparts with its unique features and environmental benefits (Belgium).
07-09 The Dubai Uptown Tower built by BESIX Middle East is delivered and its hotel welcomes the first guests (UAE).
08-09 The new Royers Lock pumping station near the Port House of Antwerp is officially inaugurated. It was built in a one-stop shop by BESIX, BESIX Unitec, BESIX Environment, and BESIX Infra (Belgium).
12-09 The first two elements of the new Scheldt tunnel of the Oosterweel project, out of a total of eight, are completed. Built in a dry dock in Zeebrugge, once finished, they will all be towed to Antwerp, where they will be submerged and installed, and the dock will be flooded (Belgium).
21-09 The global BESIX CleanUp Day takes place for the fifth time. No less than 11 tonnes of waste are collected by more than 6,000 participants in 44 locations on four continents, making their neighbourhoods a cleaner and safer place.
26-09 The Vistula Spit project, a collaboration between BESIX and NDI Group, is awarded the prestigious ‘Best Construction Award 2022’ in Poland, recognising BESIX’s exceptional achievement in the construction of a new strategic shipping channel in the Gulf of Gdansk (Poland).
05-10 The New South Wales team of BESIX Watpac moves their regional office into the magnificent Poly Centre. In November, the stunning 25-storey commercial tower receives the award for Best Commercial Building at the Master Builders Association of NSW State Awards (Australia).
13-10 BESIX Infra lays the first pipe in geopolymer concrete, with a significantly lower CO2 footprint compared to conventional concrete, at sewage works in Duffel (Belgium).
23-10 BESIX Watpac welcomes Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium to the Barangaroo metro station project in Sydney (Australia).
08-11 Subsidiary Wust inaugurates the renovated swimming pool in Spa, that meets the latest energy standards thanks to its enhanced insulation, along with photovoltaic and solar panels (Belgium).
20-11 The Zayed City Schools PPP project team celebrates a significant milestone of completing 3 million man-hours of work without any lost-time injuries (UAE).
25-11 The last giant crane is removed on the Zayed National Museum project (UAE).
30-11 The 180-tonne pyramidion is hoisted on top of the masthead of the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge, making this the tallest bridge in Brisbane (Australia).
01-12 Belgian Prime Minister De Croo visits BESIX’s Waste-to-Energy facility in Dubai. His visit underlines his belief in the synergy between climate ambitions and the industrial sector (UAE).
07-12 BuildUp CEO Hélène de Troostembergh wins the Young Construction Personality of the Year award and BuildUp wins the silver award in the Climate Future Solution category, recognising its offsite sustainably produced panels for the energetic renovation of façades and roofs (Belgium).
07-12 As the third year of construction comes to a close, the BERERIX joint venture – involving BESIX, Rizzani de Eccher, and SIA RERE BUVE – successfully installs the first arch for the roof structure of the Rail Baltica Central Station in Riga, visually marking the highest point of the station at almost 30 metres (Latvia).
14-12 BESIX Group, through BESIX Unitec, successfully completes the acquisition of TFC S.A. and ACB S.A. (TFC Group). The TFC Group is an established player in the utilities market in Wallonia. They now operate under the name of BESIX Reditec and BESIX Soltec (Belgium).
BESIX Engineering is the dedicated design arm of BESIX, enabling the company to
deliver bespoke solutions and project optimisation directly to its clients while ensuring agility within its business operations. The exceptional service quality provided by BESIX Engineering is powered by a team of more than 150 skilled engineers located in Brussels, Dubai, and Brisbane, each an expert in their domain.
Read more
BESIX supports its clients in the decarbonisation journey across the entire value chain, through Early Contractor Involvement, Life Cycle Analysis, data-driven processes, the use of decarbonised materials, the use of low-emission equipment, modular and circular construction, and the development of smart buildings. Read more
A global player like BESIX Group, with its diverse cultures across continents, manages to attract and maintain top talents by crafting a supportive and warm atmosphere where growth and success are within everyone’s reach. BESIX Group puts a deliberate emphasis on encouraging personal development, opening doors to new opportunities, and offering a secure environment for trying new things and exchanging ideas. Read more
BESIX Group strongly believes in everyone’s right to dignity and respect. It is firmly committed to the human rights and well-being of all employees and workers employed by BESIX Group, regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion, political opinions, or beliefs. This concerns the BESIX Group entities worldwide, as well as all its subcontractors and suppliers. Read more
Purpose
Excel in creating sustainable solutions for a better world.
Mission
Thrive as a sustainable and highly integrated full-ser- vice provider, with construction at its heart, by offering its clients, in the various markets it operates, value-adding and pioneering solutions and by excelling in delivery, thanks to all group capabilities and trusted partnerships.
Strategic framework
BESIX is a people-first organisation that values unity, improved governance, and a lean organisational structure. As a contractor at heart, BESIX has successfully diversified in the past into exciting new ventures such as Real Estate, Concessions, Operations & Maintenance – and continues to do so. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, the group is always on the lookout for new diversifications that align with its core competencies.
Environmental emergency
Driven by environmental regulations and consumer demands, the construction industry is increasingly adopting green technologies and sustainable materials to balance ecological concerns with long-term efficiency.
Technological evolution
Construction 4.0 revolutionises efficiency and safety through the adoption of technologies like BIM, AI, and IoT, becoming essential for competitive edge and value realisation.
Urbanisation and smart Cities
The rise of smart cities demands innovative solutions for sustainable urban development, enhancing infrastructure and public services for growing populations.
Supply chain disruption and material innovation
Faced with global supply chain disruptions, the industry is prioritising resilience through local sourcing and the innovation of sustainable materials.
Regulatory changes and compliance
Evolving regulations in safety, environmental protection, and labour practices necessitate continual adaptability in compliance strategies within the industry.
Labour shortages and workforce development
The industry addresses labour shortages by enhancing workforce development and adopting technologies to attract a diverse and younger workforce.
Competitive landscape
Economic uncertainties and public budget constraints are driving the industry towards strategic operational adjustments and increased reliance on public-private partnerships to manage risks and governance.
Clients, partners, subcontractors, and suppliers
Institutions and regulatory bodies
Employees, future hires, academics, and students
Investors, shareholders, and financial institutions
Social partners, unions, and employee representatives
Environmental and societal actors, NGOs, federations, and think tanks
Human and intellectual capital
Industrial capital
Real estate capital
Procurement capital
Financial capital
Social & environmental capital
Human and intellectual value
Environmentally responsible projects
Financial contribution
Innovation
BESIX Foundation
05
Guided by the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), BESIX strategically selects key targets to drive impactful progress.
Read moreIn line with the CSRD and ESRS guidelines, BESIX conducted a comprehensive 'Double Materiality Assessment' to identify the ESG priorities for both the group and its stakeholders.
Read moreThe group contributes to society's transition to a low-carbon economy, with a focus on carbon management and circular economy initiatives. It offers innovative solutions to clients, enhancing environmental performance and advancing sustainable projects.
Read moreBESIX prioritises safe and decent working conditions for employees and subcontractors, both on and off site. The group actively engages with stakeholders and participates in community initiatives to support and improve local communities.
Read moreThe Saint-Denis Pleyel station, which is currently under construction in northern Paris by Société des Grands Projets, is part of the new Grand Paris Express metro network. Saint-Denis Pleyel is an essential component of the network that will provide better service to the Great Metropolitan region around the French capital. In the run-up to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the station will play a crucial role in serving the major venues.
Read the full storyBESIX Middle East is proud to be at the forefront of creating the Guggenheim Museum in Abu Dhabi. This monumental museum, designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, will not only transform the cultural landscape of the United Arab Emirates but also showcase BESIX Middle East’s expertise in delivering complex and innovative construction projects.
Read the full storyAt the initiative of the Ivorian Ministry of Construction, Housing, and Urban De-velopment, in partnership with PFO Construction, the project's developer, BESIX is actively involved in erecting the 74-story F Tower in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Re-sponsible for both structural works and site management, BESIX ensures seam-less execution.
Read the full storyBESIX Watpac delivered the Engineering and Innovation Place for James Cook University as a leading-edge building for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines amidst the landscapes of tropical North Queensland.
Read the full storyThe Huccorgne viaduct, located on the E42/E25 motorway between Liège and Namur, is a crucial part of the E42 motorway, linking the west and east of the Walloon region, across Belgium. The comprehensive rehabilitation project was carried out by BESIX and its partner, on behalf of SOFICO and the Service Public de Wallonie Mobilité & Infrastructures.
Read the full storyThe Abobo Tunnel project, situated in the bustling city of Abidjan in Ivory Coast, symbolises how strategic infrastructure development can enhance urban mobility and accessibility. This project is a part of the larger Abobo Town Hall roundabout initiative, designed to improve traffic flow in this major residential and commercial area inhabited by over one million people.
Read the full storyAlong the Sanaga River, about 65 km from the capital Yaoundé, BESIX spearheads the civil works for the Nachtigal Hydropower Plant. The project, constructed in collaboration with partners NGE Contracting (France) and SGTM (Morocco), is one of the most significant public-private partnerships in Africa. The Nachtigal hydroelectric project will cover an impressive 30 % of Cameroon’s energy needs, with a production capacity of 420 MW.
Read the full storyThe Oxagon project is an ambitious endeavour that exemplifies BESIX Middle East’s unwavering commitment to excellence in marine works. Focused on modernising and expanding port infrastructure, the Oxagon project is set to play a pivotal role in facilitating the transportation of goods by large and medium-sized container ships, feeder ships, and bulk carriers in the region.
Read the full storyIn August 2022, Portonave awarded BESIX and Empresa Construtora Brasil (ECB), part of Mota Engil, the EPC contract to enhance its port infrastructure within the Port of Navegantes in Brazil. The project involves constructing a new quay wall in the same location as the existing structure, whilst maintaining port operations.
Read the full storyConstruction has concluded on a state-of-the-art defence infrastructure facility aimed at supporting, sustaining, and training Australian Army personnel in the operation of the next generation of Armoured Fighting Vehicles. This project also marks an extension of BESIX Watpac’s involvement in the LAND 400 programme.
Read the full storySubsidiary Franki Grondtechnieken and BESIX Nederland have been entrusted with the excavation work for the construction pit of the PALLAS reactor building in the Petten dunes in North Holland. The new reactor will ensure a reliable supply of medical isotopes for the 30,000 patients who depend on these every day.
Read the full storyAxis Alexandria is a multi-level industrial facility consisting of nine units, currently under construction by BESIX Watpac. Requiring significant design engineering and incorporation of advanced technologies, each unit includes a light-duty car park for each office, heavy-duty hardstands, and a composite structure multi-level warehouse, with a two-storey office and solar power.
Read the full storyBESIX, BESIX Environment, and John Cockerill Hydrogen Belgium have signed an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract with the client Virya Energy (generation and sale of renewable energy, Colruyt Group), to design and build a facility to convert renewable electricity from the offshore wind parks in Zeebrugge into green hydrogen.
Read the full storyThe Kardinia Park Stage 5 Redevelopment by BESIX Watpac will increase the GMHBA stadium’s capacity to 40,000, further cementing its status as Australia’s largest-capacity sporting and entertainment venue in regional cities.
Read the full storyThe new Antwerp Police building is BESIX’s largest PPP-building project in Belgium and boasts specific features tailored to the unique day-to-day police activities, as well as several sustainability features. BESIX is now in charge of its operations and maintenance for 25 years.
Read the full storyIn the heart of Dubai, Shou’alah, a joint venture between BESIX in the Middle East and Hitachi Zosen Inova, plays a pivotal role in the operation and maintenance of the Dubai Waste-to-Energy facility, revolutionising waste management while contributing significantly to Dubai’s sustainability goals, and the broader UAE vision for a greener future.
Read the full storyThe contract for the design, construction, financing, and maintenance until 2046, of the sewage sludge processing installation in the Port of Ghent for water-treatment company Aquafin has been awarded to the BESIX-Indaver consortium. The plant will recover energy from the wastewater of 4 million citizens in Flanders.
Read the full storyThe ICÔNE office building in Belval, covering an area of 18,800 m² and designed by the British architectural firm Foster + Partners and Beiler François Fritsch, was developed by BESIX RED and built by BESIX and LuxTP.
Read the full storyThese two renovation projects demonstrate BESIX Real Estate Development’s commitment to developing properties that have a minimal environmental impact. As a responsible and ambitious actor committed to shaping a sustainable and innovative future through its developments, BESIX RED aims to benefit the planet, the local community, and, of course, its clients.
Read the full story