Spotlight on Port Hedland Dredging Project

Jan De Nul Group recently completed the capital dredging works for the Channel Risk and Optimization Project (CROP) in Port Hedland, Western Australia.

Over the past three years a combination of Hopper Dredgers, a Cutter Suction Dredger and Split Hopper Barges were deployed to dredge sections of the 42-km long navigational channel to further enhance the safe and sustainable access to the port of Port Hedland.

The project, part of the Channel Risk and Optimization Project (CROP), included the removal of high spots and the creation of two refuge zones and an emergency passing lane alongside the outer section of the shipping channel.

“We are pleased that we were able to partner once again with Pilbara Ports Authority (PPA) in successfully delivering this critical and vital phase of the project”, said David Jonckheere, Area Director Oceania and Asia at Jan De Nul Group. “The final portion of this three-year project was specifically challenging as it had to be executed within a fully operational and extremely busy port. We are also greatly appreciative of the close and practical approach we received from the PPA representatives on an ongoing day-to-day basis.”

Customized innovative solutions

Strict environmental requirements and operational constraints within the busy precinct of Port Hedland resulted in Jan De Nul adapting specific execution methods catering for such challenging conditions.

As such, Cutter Suction Dredger Niccoló Macchiavelli was mobilized in barge loading mode, assisted by two Split Hopper Barges. The risk of temporarily jeopardizing the safe use of the existing channel was hereby reduced to a minimum and a non-compromised access to and from the berths in the inner port was secured.

Jan De Nul Group further customized its fleet in order to meet the planning and strict operational and environmental requirements. The Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger Charles Darwin was fitted with an in-house designed ripper draghead, providing enhanced capabilities.

In addition and for specific areas within the dredge area, the Hopper Dredger Juan Sebastián de Elcano was equipped with an in-house developed milling draghead, adding to the flexibility and cost/time efficiency in executing the works.