Safe navigation rapidly restored at Warrenpoint Harbour, NI
Monitoring surveys carried out by the Port during the summer
identified an elevated accumulation of material in the centre of the turning
basin which resulted in a draft restriction being placed on all vessels. This restriction
resulted in significant disruption to the Port and its clients. Attempts were
made to relocate that material using firstly a small local plough and then a
larger plough vessel but the material proved to be too resistant to movement.
Investigations were carried out using side-scan sonar and
physical sampling which showed the material to be gravel and cobbles which had
been thrown up by vessels manoeuvring in the turning circle. ADBP prepared
contract documentation for the dredging of the material and also submitted an
application for a dredging disposal licence to DOENI. Following the competitive
tender the contract was awarded to Peter Madsen Rederi A/S.
The exceptional low spring tides of 28-29/09/2015 meant that
the available water depths had to be improved quickly to prevent even greater disruption
to Port operations. Dredging commenced with the Backhoe Hopper vessel ‘Grete
Fighter’ on 24/09/2015 and sufficient material was removed by the 28/09/2015 to
restore safe navigation, albeit with some minor restriction remaining. The
complete removal of the accumulated material was completed by 6/10/2015. ADBP
supervised the successful site operation throughout the works.