DREDGING and reclamation works have commenced on TasPorts’ Devonport East Terminal 3 development.
TasPorts’ contractors began dredging and reclamation as part of the $240 million QuayLink development. This part of the project is expected to see around 45,000 cubic metres of material excavated.
TasPorts CEO Anthony Donald said the work is expected to take between two and three months to complete.
“The work is being carried out in accordance with EPA Tasmania requirements, and there will be no disruption to port activities and shipping schedules,” Mr Donald said.
“A key focus of this work is on environmental sustainability and as such it will include additional monitoring of turbidity in the Mersey River to gain a better understanding of plume movements.
“The overall works will deliver a new berth pocket, wharf structure and reclamation area at the existing Berth 3E specifically designed for the new Spirit of Tasmania vessels.”
Mr Donald said TasPorts’ investment in the redevelopment project aims to future-proof Devonport as a gateway for Bass Strait trade and tourism for the next 50 years.
“Upgrades to the adjacent East No 2 Berth to cater for larger SeaRoad vessels are also planned,” he said.
Mr Donald said TasPorts aims to ensure community and environmental impacts are considered in all dredging activities at Tasmanian ports .
“We acknowledge the contribution of the Technical Advisory Consultative Committee – a forum established for TasPorts to engage, consult and collaborate with peak bodies and other relevant stakeholders – for its engagement around planned dredging activities,” he said.
“The Committee has been instrumental in enabling effective community engagement.”
A joint-venture company set up by Hazell Bros Group and Brady Marine & Civil is using a 150-tonne land-based long-reach excavator and a smaller long-reach excavator working from a floating barge.
