On June 8, 2026, Construction Times published a report highlighting the project. June 8 marks World Oceans Day, and this year’s theme focuses on “Protecting Marine Ecosystems and Promoting Harmonious Coexistence Between Humanity and Nature.” Located in the waters of Xiamen Bay, the Xiamen–Jinmen Bridge is a landmark infrastructure project designed to enhance connectivity across the region. The project is being undertaken by CREC, managed by China Railway South, and constructed with the participation of China Railway Guangzhou Engineering Group and other organizations. The A3 section of the Xiamen Segment is situated adjacent to the National Nature Reserve for the Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin and the Amphioxus, presenting significant environmental protection challenges during construction. Adhering to the principle of “ecology first,” the project team has integrated environmental protection requirements into every stage of construction, striving to build critical transportation infrastructure without compromising the surrounding marine environment and demonstrating the commitment of modern infrastructure builders to sustainable development.

Recognizing the fragility of the marine ecosystem, the project established the core principle of “ecology first and green construction” from the very beginning. The objective has been to achieve coordinated development between infrastructure construction and marine environmental protection. In response to stringent environmental standards, the construction team conducted extensive planning in advance, developing tailored protection measures for rare marine species and establishing a comprehensive ecological protection system.

To prevent the spread of suspended sediment generated during dredging and pile foundation construction, the project introduced an innovative S-shaped double-layer silt curtain system. This creates a three-dimensional protective barrier between construction zones and environmentally sensitive areas, effectively controlling water quality disturbances at their source. Oil containment booms and emergency oil-absorption equipment have been deployed on site, while regular anti-pollution emergency response drills are conducted to strengthen marine pollution prevention capabilities. The project has implemented a closed-loop environmental management system covering the entire construction process, ensuring professional sedimentation and purification treatment of wastewater and slurry. Treated water is then recycled for construction maintenance and dust suppression, maximizing water resource utilization. Dedicated personnel are responsible for the collection, transportation, and classification of all waste generated during offshore operations, ensuring that no waste enters the sea and preserving the cleanliness of surrounding waters.

While addressing visible forms of pollution, the project team has also adopted multiple measures to reduce less visible environmental disturbances. Through scientifically planned work schedules and the installation of noise-reduction equipment on construction machinery, noise pollution has been effectively minimized to avoid disrupting marine wildlife habitats. A dedicated environmental monitoring team conducts round-the-clock surveillance of water quality and marine species activity. Construction schedules are adjusted flexibly based on the movement patterns of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, and the project strictly follows the operational principle of “retreat when marine life is present and proceed when the area is clear,” actively avoiding interference with marine species.

From frontline construction crews to every operational position, and from pollution control to noise management, China Railway Guangzhou Engineering Group has fulfilled its commitment to “build a bridge while protecting a stretch of blue sea” through meticulous ecological management practices. On the occasion of World Oceans Day, the Xiamen–Jinmen Bridge stands as a demonstration of both engineering excellence and the social responsibility of a state-owned enterprise. By striving to become a benchmark ecological project for cross-sea infrastructure construction, it is contributing lasting momentum to regional connectivity and the sustainable development of marine ecosystems.