Construction Firms Move to Emergency Response Mode Amid Middle East Tensions

Tension Escalation Threatens Korean Builders’ Order Backlog; Middle East Accounts for 25% of Overseas Orders Image courtesy of Reuters. As tensions in the Middle East escalate following the airstrike on Iran, major South Korean construction companies are strengthening their response measures for local operations. While no direct damage has been reported at project sites in Iran, companies are closely monitoring the situation amid concerns that the conflict could expand to neighboring countries. According to industry sources on March 2, Hyundai Engineering & Construction, Daewoo Engineering & Construction, Samsung E&A, Samsung C&T, Hanwha and DL E&C are currently carrying out construction projects in the Middle East, primarily in Saudi Arabia or Iraq. Hyundai Engineering & Construction is undertaking the Jafurah utilities project and a 380-kilovolt transmission line project in Saudi Arabia, as well as a seawater treatment facility project in Iraq. A company official said it is strictly adhering to local safety protocols, establishing emergency response plans and closely analyzing developments in each country, with safety as its top priority. Daewoo Engineering & Construction is working on a new port project in Iraq. A company official said it has suspended leave and business travel for local employees and strengthened internal emergency guidelines. Samsung E&A is engaged in the Fadhili gas expansion project in Saudi Arabia and an ethylene storage facility project in Qatar. ...