Gladstone Ports Corporation’s (GPC) Port of Bundaberg maintenance dredging campaign has been labelled a success, with port navigation depths restored.
The Trailer Suction Hopper Dredge Brisbane worked around the clock recently, restoring the main berth depth from 10.4 to 10.5 meters and channel depth from 8.5 to 8.6 meters.
GPC acting chief executive Craig Walker said maintenance dredging works were an integral part of the port’s operations.
“The TSHD Brisbane removed approximately 100,000 tonnes of material which has restored the declared depths of the areas, allowing a safer passage for vessels”, Mr Walker said.
“This is not the first time we have seen the TSHD Brisbane in Bundaberg waters; it is engaged annually to conduct maintenance dredging.
“In the same way we maintain roads and rail lines for freight transport, we need to look after our port infrastructure and the $630,000 investment ensures that we keep the port safe and open for shipping and trade opportunities.”
Port of Bundaberg manager Jason Pascoe said the campaign was finalised last week with no environmental or safety incidents.
“The works were undertaken with the strictest environmental conditions,” Mr Pascoe said.
“Monitoring was undertaken throughout the campaign, and results have indicated that there were no negative impacts on the water quality in the port channel.”
The Regional Harbour Master has reviewed the post dredge survey and a Notice to Mariners with the amended port navigation depths will be issued shortly.
