Maintenance dredging commences at the Port of Hay Point
Essential maintenance dredging at the Port of Hay Point is scheduled to commence this weekend.
The works will be undertaken by specialist vessel the TSHD Brisbane, on behalf of North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) and the port’s terminal operators.
NQBP Chief Executive Officer Nicolas Fertin said the Port of Hay Point primarily exports metallurgical coal, a key resource in steel-making.
Mr Fertin said the maintenance dredging involves relocating sediment – natural material made up of sands, silt and clay - that has travelled along the coast and accumulated in shipping navigational areas.
The sediment will be relocated in the sea, 6km away from shipping operations. Relocated material will not be placed on any coral reefs.
Maintenance dredging ensures vessels can safely and reliably access ports and marinas, reducing the risk of accidents or grounding impacts.
It differs from capital dredging, which involves excavating previously undisturbed seabed to expand or create new shipping channels, berths or swing basins.
The maintenance dredging project will take about 40 days.
Maritime Safety Queensland has issued a Notice to Mariners with advice about restricted access zones to ensure safety during the operations.
