Royal HaskoningDHV achieved a turnover of 704 million euros in 2012. One-off provisions, merger costs and the economic downturn in Europe had its effect on the company’s disappointing results, while the outlook for Africa, the Middle East, South-East Asia and South America remains positive. The company succeeded in achieving its aim to merge to become Royal HaskoningDHV within record time. The operational merger took place in July 2012 followed by the legal merger of the company on 1 January 2013.

The company’s aviation; industry, energy, mining; maritime and waterways sectors contributed significantly to the results achieved, as did operations in Southern and Eastern Africa and the United Kingdom. The uncertain European economy resulted in the company struggling to perform in planning, strategy, transport and asset management and water. In the Netherlands, which accounts for 52% of total turnover, the company saw a strong decline in the public sector market in the second half of 2012.

However, in spite of these results, 2012 was a historic year, with the establishment and launch of Royal HaskoningDHV. The merger positions Royal HaskoningDHV at the top of the independently owned, non-listed engineering consultancies in the world.

Financial performance

Royal HaskoningDHV recorded a turnover of 704 million euros, a decline of 5.8% compared to the previous year. This was primarily due to the economic reality in Europe, as well as the impact of the 2011 divestment of a Canadian subsidiary during the second half of 2011.

Key Figures

(€ million unless otherwise mentioned)	2012	2011
Turnover	704	748
Added value	531	567
EBITA recurring	9.7	21.0
Net result	-19.9	4.3
Operating margin	1.4%	2.9%

 The result includes one-off gains and losses of minus 22 million euros (pre-tax). These items mainly concern merger costs and restructuring provisions. Capacity and offices are being reduced to adapt to market circumstances.

Acquisitions and divestments

Royal HaskoningDHV acquired 90% ownership of the ELC Group during the year, opening up new opportunities for the company in Turkey. ELC provides geotechnical and environmental services to oil and gas, ports, energy, finance, real estate, healthcare and construction sectors.

Early in 2013 the company also acquired Integrated Project Management (IPM), a leading aviation specialist in the United Kingdom. This acquisition expands the company’s presence in the UK aviation sector.

Due to the overall outlook for the Portuguese economy, it was decided to end the company’s local presence in Portugal. Continuation of local operations there was found not to be financially viable. In addition, the company divested from its French subsidiary.

Corporate responsibility

In 2012 the integration of Corporate Responsibility (CR) in the new organisation was a key priority. The CR approach involves stakeholder dialogue, integrity and a sustainability programme that consists of sustainability in projects, own operations and community engagement. In addition to the primary responsibility of management, a CR director was appointed to lead the company to the next step in keeping with its ambition to be a leader in sustainability.

Outlook

For 2013 the international and private sector perspective for the new company is good. However the European outlook, especially the public sector, remains challenging. Investments continue to be made in specific geographies and industries generating demand for the company’s services. Concerns about the European market in the coming year are mitigated by the positive outlook for Africa, the Middle East, South-East Asia and South America. The company will continue to adapt to changing market circumstances and adjust its capacity where needed. Operating from a solid base, Royal HaskoningDHV looks forward to enhancing society together with its clients and other stakeholders.

Selection of projects

Extending Viracopos International Airport, Brazil: The extension of Viracopos International Airport, in São Paulo, will deliver enormous benefit to both Brazil’s economy and its people when it is completed in 2014. A large international airport is a priority for Brazil as it prepares to host the FIFA 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games. With an ultimate capacity to handle 80 million passengers and 1.4 million tons of cargo, Viracopos will become one of South America’s largest airports. It will vastly improve passenger experience and provide jobs and revenue through commercial airport facilities and services. Royal HaskoningDHV/NACO developed the master plan and preliminary designs for the airport, a multi-storey car park, air and land side engineering, and capital investment forecast. With the aim to provide functionality, efficiency and expandability, the design is compact and modular. Special attention has been paid to sustainability. Photo-voltaic roof panels, reusable water and an energy efficient mechanical and electrical system are incorporated into the design.

Wastewater collection, treatment and reuse scheme, Vietnam:

Sewerage and a 10 000 m³/day waste water treatment plant for the city centre are underway in Phan Rang Thap Cham city, the capital of Vietnam’s Ninh Thuan province. The project will bring much needed sanitation to the city, dramatically improving the lives of the 125 000 people who live there.

The region is one of Vietnam’s poorest and driest. The absence of a sewerage and wastewater treatment plant means wastewater discharges directly into city and surroundings, causing health issues and serious pollution to ground and surface water. When the project completes, the treated wastewater will also be reused to irrigate surrounding agricultural areas, thus improving livelihood of the people.

Royal HaskoningDHV acted as private initiator in the application and securing of ORIO funding for the project, and carried out technical and socio-economic surveys, EIA, basic and detailed designs, finance plans and capacity building.

Engineering a lifeline across a dangerous river, Kingdom of Lesotho, southern Africa: The local community at HA Mofutho near Quasha’s Nek, had to cross the Senqu River to access the markets for their produce and to find employment. Villagers used small boats or even waded through the river to do this during low flow, but access during the rainy season was dangerous due to fast flowing and high water levels. Royal HaskoningDHV (formerly SSI) was appointed to plan a footbridge to create a sustainable future for approximately 2 000 people. Special attention was paid to job creation and the development of the local construction industry. In preparation for the project various workshops were conducted to transfer knowledge and skills to the local indigenous contractors, to ensure that they benefited in every way possible, and to the engineers from the Roads Directorate. Royal HaskoningDHV carried out engineering investigations, detailed design and the preparation of detailed drawings and tender documents for the bridge.