The Mosul Dam is more than just a piece of infrastructure; it is the strategic heart of the region’s water supply and a critical asset for millions of people. When the stability of the dam was threatened by erosion, an Italian-led task force answered the call to prevent a catastrophic failure.
For nine intense months, Drafinsub was an integral part of this global effort, deploying its technology and personnel to a highly sensitive operational theater where technical excellence had to coexist with strict security protocols.
The Mission: The Bottom Outlet Rehabilitation
While the Trevi Group led the massive grouting operations to stabilize the dam’s foundations, a crucial underwater challenge emerged: the Bottom Outlets. These massive tunnels are essential for regulating the water level, but before the consolidation of the tunnels could proceed, the control mechanisms had to be secured.
Operating as a subcontractor for SELI Overseas (within the Trevi Main Contract), Drafinsub was tasked with a surgical underwater operation: the removal, inspection, and reinstatement of the two massive Guard Gates.
Utilizing the Raffaella Saturation System, Drafinsub divers executed a precise sequence of high-risk tasks:
Extraction: Lifting the massive Guard Gates from their submerged housing.
Verification & Restoration: Once surfaced, the gates underwent rigorous structural integrity checks and restoration to ensure they could withstand the immense pressure.
Re-installation: The refurbished gates were lowered back into position and reseated with millimeter precision.
This operation was the keystone that allowed the SELI and Trevi teams to safely proceed with the consolidation of the tunnels, securing the dam’s long-term functionality.
Operating in a High-Stakes Environment
The project was executed between 2016 and 2017, in a context marked by extreme geopolitical instability. While history was being written just kilometers away, Drafinsub’s technicians and divers remained focused on the engineering task at hand.
Working in such a complex environment required more than just diving skills; it demanded mental resilience and unwavering adherence to safety protocols. The success of the operation is a testament to the team’s ability to deliver high-precision results even under significant external pressure..
A Collective Success
After nine months of continuous operations, Drafinsub proudly announced the successful conclusion of the Bottom Outlet rehabilitation.
This achievement was made possible thanks to the synergy with SELI Overseas and Trevi, USACE (United States Army Corps of Engineers) and the invaluable protection provided by NATO Forces and the Italian Army. Their presence guaranteed the safety of the personnel, allowing the technical teams to work with serenity in a zone that was anything but ordinary.
We are honored that our subsea expertise allowed the broader stabilization project to move forward.
It has been a precious opportunity for growth to take part in such an international and complex project.