Due to the consequent increase in the number of cape size vessels passing Gladstone Ports Corporation’s (GPC) RG Tanna Coal Terminal wharf, there is a need to deepen the existing Clinton Bypass Channel in this area.
GPC Chief Executive Officer, Craig Doyle, said that the project would be undertaken for safety reasons, to protect vessels berthed at the RG Tanna Coal Terminal wharf.
“ The current channel is 13 meters deep, which is suitable for the LNG carriers and other panamax vessels that have traditionally traveled to wharves beyond the RG Tanna Coal Terminal.
“ However, with Wiggins Island Coal Terminal having commenced operations, there is a need to deepen the existing channel to allow for cape size vessels to pass safely,” Mr Doyle said.
The project would see the area deepened from around 13 meters to 16 meters to allow cape size vessels to use the channel without impacting vessels berthed at the RG Tanna Coal Terminal wharf.
Approximately two million cubic meters of dredged material would likely be placed in the existing bund at Fisherman’s Landing.
It is envisaged that the project would take between 18-24 months, however any actual physical dredging would only take four to six months, but it was not likely to start until early 2017.
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