Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) will undertake a maintenance dredging program in the Gladstone Marina to reduce siltation build up that has occurred over the past five years.
Maintenance dredging was undertaken in the Marina in 2009, and since that period, significant sediment build-up has occurred reducing water depths from 3 – 4 meters LAT (Lowest Astronomical Tide) to as low as 1 -1.5 meters LAT.
The State and Federal approved dredging program that will begin in June and is expected to conclude in October 2015. A Cutter Suction Dredger (CSD) will be used to perform the dredging work.
The disposal area for the dredge material will be in GPC’s land based reclamation area off Alf O’Rourke Drive. This area is approved for the placement of dredge material and once filled, will be converted to usable land.
Dredging is a vital part of operating a port as it is needed to maintain the depth in channels, berths and harbors to allow ships efficient and safe passage. Maintenance dredging involves the removal of sediments naturally transported by waves or currents, into deeper channels or berths. In most Queensland ports, maintenance dredging is needed in certain areas each year.
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