North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) will soon begin maintenance dredging at the Port of Weipa, while dredging is to be completed at Amrun on behalf of Rio Tinto. The dredging operation will take place from June 3 to July 17, along with the dredge vessels TSHD Brisbane and Oranje, within the port of Weipa nad Amrun.
Nicolas Fertin, NQBP Chief Executive Officer, commented that this years maintenance dredging is more extensive, in comparison to previous years because of the existent weather conditions. Specifically, Cyclones Owen, Penny and Trevor, combined with a large monsoonal event this year have contributed to an increase in siltation at the Port of Weipa.
[smlsubform prepend=”GET THE SAFETY4SEA IN YOUR INBOX!” showname=false emailtxt=”” emailholder=”Enter your email address” showsubmit=true submittxt=”Submit” jsthanks=false thankyou=”Thank you for subscribing to our mailing list”]
Therefore, because of these weather events, the maintenance dredging procedure will last longer and will be conducted with two dredging vessels.
He calls local and visiting vessels to be extra cautious when entering the area, in light of the dredging operations. The Brisbane and Oranje, with their support vessels, have restricted manoeuvring capability; Thus, he urges people on the water to pay close attention to displayed warning flags and lights.
Fertin highlighted
In the same way we maintain roads and rail lines for freight transport, we need to look after our port infrastructure to keep trade flowing.
He continued that the usual dredging makes sure of efficient, navigable shipping depths for port users.
In addition, the Port Authority will conduct environmental monitoring and management measures to mitigate the risks of any possible impacts to the marine environment.
Concluding, NQBP manages the annual maintenance dredging program at the Port of Weipa – a program that has run for more than 30 years.
