One of the world’s largest dredging vessels, the trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD) Fairway, arrived in Lyttelton Harbor today as the channel deepening project prepares to get underway.
Commenting the latest news, Lyttelton Port Company (LPC) Chief Executive, Peter Davie , said: “ The dredging program means larger container ships, which have virtually doubled in size during the last 10 years, will be able to call at Lyttelton. It is estimated this will decrease freight costs for Lyttelton customers by more than 10 per cent.
“LPC was granted resource consent in March 2018 to dredge the navigation channel, which will see the channel lengthened by approximately 2.5km and widened by 20 metres.
“The initial work will occur in stages and take approximately 12 weeks to complete. Stage one will allow vessels with a 13.3 meter draught to call at Lyttelton. Future stages will allow unrestricted sailing for 14.5 meter draught vessels across all tides.
“The channel deepening will provide Canterbury’s importers and exporters the best possible and most-cost effective international shipping solutions ,” said Peter Davie.
The Fairway has traveled from Mumbai, India, but first made a stop in Singapore for a thorough clean before heading to Lyttelton Harbor.
Royal Boskalis Westminster was awarded the initial stage of the dredging program and this is the first time they’ve worked in New Zealand, LPC said.
The Fairway will start dredging at first light on Wednesday, and she will work 24/7 to deepen, lengthen and widen the channel, as part of stage one of the channel deepening project.