Posted on October 23, 2024
The Dutch dredge Albatros, operated by Dutch Dredging, began dredging on Monday, 23 September and will be here until mid-January.
LPC’s annual programme ensures the main navigation channel and the area’s ships berth and manoeuvre are maintained.
The dredging locations are the main channel, Cashin Quay pockets and Cruise Berth pockets.
Alistair Boyce, Head of Engineering and Projects, said they have dredged over 65,000 cubic meters of material so far.
“We expect to dredge about 700,000 cubic meters by the end of the campaign,” says Alistair.
Last year, the Albatros dredged 800,000 cubic meters, an increase linked to Cyclone Gabrielle. Previous years’ volumes have been about 600,000 cubic meters.
Alistair said the Inner Harbour will also be dredged during this campaign, and as it has a lower infill rate it is typically only dredged every five years.
By the end of the campaign, he said the crew could reach 1000 trips.
After the Albatros completes its time at Lyttelton, the team will head to Timaru as part of the five ports joint venture.
