Dredging maintenance will be carried out in the Port of Weipa from mid-May, according to North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation. Photo: Supplied.
NORTH Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) will soon begin maintenance dredging at the Port of Weipa.
NQBP chief executive officer Brendan Webb said the dredge vessel TSHD Brisbane was due to begin work from mid-May 2024.
“Maintenance dredging works are an integral part of port operations,” Mr Webb said.
“In the same way we maintain roads and rail lines for freight transport, we need to look after our port infrastructure to keep trade flowing.
“Regular maintenance dredging ensures efficient, navigable shipping depths for our port users.
“It’s undertaken by port authorities around the world and is critical for maintaining port infrastructure.”
Mr Webb said the 2024 maintenance dredge was scheduled to take place over a seven-week span.
“This year’s dredge campaign will occur during two visits for a total of seven weeks between mid-May and mid-July 2024,” he explained.
Mr Webb reminded boaties to take extra care when on the water during the dredging works, as the Brisbane was restricted in its manoeuvrability.
“The Brisbane and its support vessels have restricted manoeuvring capability,” he said.
“We urge people on the water to pay close attention to displayed warning flags and lights.”
Environmental monitoring and management measures will be implemented throughout the campaign to minimise the risk of any potential impacts on the marine environment.
NQBP has managed the annual maintenance dredging program at the Port of Weipa for more than 35 years, and the organisation will also undertake dredging at Amrun on behalf of Rio Tinto.
