The dredger Kawatiri departed for Nelson last week to begin her annual maintenance dredging contract for Port Nelson, NZ.
Port Nelson Ltd plans to remove a build-up of sediment from its berths and shipping lanes.
This work has been conducted annually for around 30 years.
Westport Port Manager, Jackie Mathers , said that the storm that passed over the Coast in recent days had delayed the vessel’s departure.
Upon arrival, Kawatiri will spend a week alongside Nelson’s Coastal Berth undergoing scheduled maintenance work.
However, dredging work will start on October 7 and continue for about a month.
Also, on return the Westport, the Kawatiri crew will take a break before returning to recommence work in the Floating Basin.