NORTH Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) will soon begin maintenance dredging at the Port of Weipa.
Dredging will also be completed at Amrun on behalf of Rio Tinto.
Dredge vessels TSHD Brisbane and Oranje will work within the Port of Weipa and Amrun from approximately 3 June and to 17 July inclusive, the company reported.
NQBP Chief Executive Officer Nicolas Fertin said that this year’s maintenance dredging program is more extensive than previous years due to several significant weather events.
“ Cyclones Owen, Penny and Trevor, combined with a large monsoonal event this year have contributed to an increase in siltation at the Port of Weipa ,” Mr Fertin said. “ As a result, this year’s maintenance dredging program will be longer in duration and will use two dredge vessels. ”
Mr Fertin added that maintenance dredging works are an integral part of the port’s operations.
“ NQBP manages the annual maintenance dredging program at the Port of Weipa – a program that has run for more than 30 years, ” Mr Fertin added. “ It’s undertaken by port authorities around the world and is critical for maintaining port infrastructure. ”
Environmental monitoring and management measures will be implemented throughout the campaign to minimize the risk of any potential impacts on the marine environment.