BMT was contracted to review the existing systems’ ability to maintain safe navigation depths through the channel in a cost effective manner.
The trailer suction side-cast dredge April Hamer, was employed for approximately 28 years to dredge and maintain a channel from the open sea through to the lake’s entrance.
Unlike conventional dredges it generally side-casts the sand rather than storing the sand in a hopper for removal from the system.
BMT developed a number of alternative options providing Gippsland Ports with cost estimates and comparisons to the systems that are already in place.
Other dredging operations in use included the use of small cutter suction dredges and a sand transfer system which moves sand from the inner areas to the beach east of the entrance.
Trials with a sand bypassing/ back-passing system operated by Slurry Systems have been successful in terms of redirecting sand out of the bar system.
The proposed expansion of the Port of Townsville involves significant dredging of sea bed materials to provide for vessel access, maneuvering and berthing.
We were engaged by Fremantle Ports to project manage and provide expert technical advice on marine environmental assessment of a major port facility.
We were engaged by KPA to provide site supervision, technical and management services for the delivery of the Broome Channel Optimisation project to enable port access for large shipping and cruise vessels.
Building on the Port of Cairns Cruise Shipping Demand Study undertaken by us in 2010 – 2011, we are working with project partner Arup to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Port of Cairns Shipping Development Project.