Lantania and NMDC Group have strengthened their strategic partnership with a new milestone in the UAE. Emirates Utilities Development Company (EUDC), the investment and project development arm of Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE), has awarded the consortium of Lantania Aguas and NMDC Infra a contract to develop the Fujairah seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination plant. This project marks one of the first major steps toward the formation of their joint venture, Lantania NMDC Water.
The contract was officially announced in Abu Dhabi in the presence of key executives, including Lantania Aguas CEO Pedro Almagro, EUDC CEO Mohammed Al Shehhi, and NMDC Infra CEO Haris Giatsos.
The project will be executed under an EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Commissioning) framework, covering the complete lifecycle of the plant. Lantania will lead the engineering scope, supply key process equipment, and oversee installation and commissioning, while NMDC will handle civil, marine, and installation works.
Located within the Port of Fujairah along the Gulf of Oman, the facility will benefit from direct access to both maritime and land infrastructure. The plant is designed to produce 272,000 cubic meters of desalinated water per day and will include storage capacity equivalent to 18 hours of output across two tanks. The development will span approximately 10 hectares and will be integrated into the port’s internal road network.
Once operational, the plant will ensure a stable and reliable water supply for residential, commercial, and industrial users in Fujairah and across EtihadWE’s service areas, particularly during periods of peak demand. The project is expected to enhance the resilience and reliability of critical water infrastructure in the region.
The seawater intake system will feature a subsea intake tower, pipelines, and high-redundancy pumping systems to ensure consistent performance. Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) pipelines will be used for both intake and discharge, supporting efficient handling of seawater and brine. Onshore facilities will include access and maintenance infrastructure designed for long-term operational efficiency.
The project is scheduled for completion within 30 months, including construction, system integration, and commissioning. Initial operations will begin at partial capacity before ramping up to full production of 272,000 cubic meters per day.
This development builds on the strategic alliance established earlier this year, under which NMDC Group acquired a 51% stake in Lantania Aguas, with Lantania Group retaining 49%, forming the basis of the Lantania NMDC Water joint venture.
The collaboration highlights the complementary strengths of both companies—Lantania’s expertise in desalination and water treatment, and NMDC’s strong track record in large-scale marine infrastructure. Lantania is currently engaged in major projects in Saudi Arabia, including the 300,000 cubic meters per day Ras Mohaisen desalination plant, while NMDC continues to play a leading role in regional infrastructure development.
Source: Lantania