Posted on January 29, 2025
Dredging at Parham Harbour has been delayed due to unexpected challenges. Lionel ‘Max’ Hurst, Chief of Staff in the Prime Minister’s Office, explained at a Post-Cabinet Press Briefing that rock, rather than the anticipated sand or soft material, was found, complicating the project.
To address this, Blue Ocean has enlisted Dutch Dredging to handle the more difficult areas, including parts of St. John’s Harbour. Concerns were raised over inaccurate surveys, which failed to detect the rock’s density, leading to delays.
“We are setting deadlines for Blue Ocean and Dutch Dredging and ensuring more accurate surveys to avoid further delays. If they can’t meet the targets, we’ll find another contractor,” Hurst said.
The dredging project, which began last March, aims to deepen channels at Crabbs Peninsula to accommodate larger ships, facilitating increased cement and LNG imports. A completion deadline of four months was set, but work is still ongoing, mirroring similar dredging at St. John’s Harbour for larger cruise vessels.
Blue Ocean representatives were due to meet with Cabinet over the weekend to resolve the issues and move the project forward.
