New Zealand's Port Taranaki is to carry out a short dredging campaign to remove sand and sediment build-up caused by storms and other weather events this year.
The dredger Albatros recently arrived at the port for the 10- to 15-day campaign, which will remove infill from an area off the Main Breakwater. The material will be placed at sites within Port Taranaki's consented drop areas.
Port Taranaki head of operations Captain Ashley McDonald said a recent hydrographic survey of the shipping channel detected an increased build-up of material near the Main Breakwater, which can be attributed to the storms, other weather events, and rough seas being experienced across Taranaki and all of New Zealand this year.
The build-up has reduced the shipping channel depth. Although the depth is still within safety margins, the dredging work is being carried out as a precaution to maintain the margins and ensure the safety of the vessels entering and exiting the port.
During the short campaign, Albatros will operate 12 hours a day during day hours, and will be visible inside the harbour close to the Main Breakwater.
