Port of Blyth maintenance dredging begins

A Port of Blyth maintenance dredging scheme is set to begin this week, the port said in their latest release. 

This dredging campaign will be undertaken at the port approaches, main navigational channel and operational commercial berths.

The Port of Blyth dredging program, scheduled to last for a period of approximately ten days, will include frequent trips to and from the spoil deposit ground approximately 3 miles ENE of the harbor East Pier and south bound past the wind turbine array.

The work will be conducted over a 24 hour period by the trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD) UKD Marlin.

Also, the tug/plough dredging vessel Blyth Endeavour and the grab dredger Cherry Sand will be involved in the project.

According to UK Dredging (UKD), the modern TSHD designed for use in open sea and estuarial locations – UKD Marlin – has the ability and maneuverability to dredge in confined locations such as enclosed docks.

The vessel is equipped with twin suction pipes, swell compensators, de-gassing and drag-head jets.

Equally important, the TSHD has the facility to discharge via bottom doors or to pump ashore.