The U.S. Coast Guard said in its latest announcement that the cutter suction dredger Charleston will begin maintenance dredging operation for the upper Delaware River on or about October 21 through December 15, 2017, in between Keystone Range and the Fairless Hills turning basin.
The dredger, owned by Norfolk Dredging Company, will begin north of the turning basin and then continue dredging south.
According to the Coast Guard’s release, the CSD Charleston will have pipeline outside the main navigational channel running to the Money Island Disposal Site, located on the PA side of the Delaware River.
“All mariners are requested to stay clear of the dredger, booster, floating and submerged pipelines, barges, derricks and operating wires about the dredger,” the Coast Guard said.
The final contract
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers last month awarded final contract for Delaware River deepening project – Upper Reach B – to Norfolk Dredging Company in the amount of $50.2 million.
This represents the 10th and final dredging contract for the Delaware River Main Channel Deepening Project, deepening the Delaware River federal navigation channel from 40 to 45 feet between Philadelphia and the sea.
The project is a joint effort of the Army Corps’ Philadelphia District and PhilaPort.
The Delaware River Main Channel Deepening project began in March of 2010. The deeper channel will provide for more efficient transportation of containerized, dry bulk (steel and slag) and liquid bulk (crude oil and petroleum products) cargo to and from the Delaware River ports.