Dredging for the new Te Awaparahi Bay wharf is underway, marking a significant milestone in the Te Awaparahi Bay Expansion and Resilience Project.
Around 300,000 m³ of material will be removed to create the berth pocket for the new wharf and connect it with the shipping channel.
Head of Engineering and Projects Alistair Boyce says reaching the dredging stage follows significant preparation across the project team.
“Commencement of the dredging is a huge milestone for the project team given the amount of work that has gone into establishing the dredging programme and environmental compliance programme,” says Alistair.
Dredging needed for piling
The dredging needs to take place before the wharf piles are installed to ensure they are not affected when material in front of the existing slope is removed.
Dutch Dredging’s trailing suction vessel Albatros is undertaking the dredging, supported by a tug carrying out seabed levelling.
Environment and Sustainability Business Partner Tessa Sutherland says a comprehensive environmental monitoring programme is in place for the dredging.
“It’s an exciting stage of the project to be at but importantly we’ll be carrying out dredging in accordance with our resource consent and with a number of environmental protection measures in place,” says Tessa.
Environmental monitoring
Fifteen buoys are monitoring turbidity, which occurs when sediment disturbed from the seabed becomes suspended in the water. Monitoring takes place in real time, with an alert system in place if agreed thresholds are exceeded so action can be taken.
Underwater noise is also being monitored in relation to dolphins, and environmental monitoring will continue after dredging is complete.
Once dredging is complete, the next stage includes removing the breakwater under a separate package of works, helping prepare the site for wharf pile installation in mid 2027.
For more visit the Te Awaparahi Bay Expansion and Resilience Project webpage Te Awaparahi Bay Expansion and Resilience Project – Lyttelton Port Company.