28 | Dredging operation brings big benefits South Port was granted resource consent by Environment Southland in August for project Kia Whakaū which will involve removing high points in the harbour channel to increase the current operating draft by one metre. Southland: South Port NZ REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT KBP are proud to have worked with Southport & congratulate them on their ongoing success. FAULT FINDING – LEAK REPAIR – MAINTENANCE - REDESIGN – UPGRADE Hot Water Issues – Blocked Toilets & Drains Pressure/Flow – Roof & Gutter Consent & Technical Advice 03 215 7175 | 0800 315 717 | info@kbp.net.nz | www.kbp.net.nz A two-stage dredging project in Bluff harbour and its channel will create longterm benefits for the port’s shipping capacity, South Port communications advisor Charlotte Scoles says. South Port was granted resource consent by Environment Southland in August for project Kia Whakaū which will involve removing high points in the harbour channel to increase the current operating draft by one metre. “This will assist with improving safety margins for ship movements and provide greater capacity for vessels to take on additional cargo,” Charlotte says. The project involves deepening the harbour channel to 9.7 metres, the island harbour berth basins to 10.7 metres and to 9.45 metres in the swinging basin where ships are turned. South Port’s infrastructure and environmental manager, Frank O’Boyle, says it is a major project for the port. “This will benefit the region’s customers for years to come and aligns with the company’s purpose to facilitate the best logistic solutions for the region.” It follows work to remove fractured or fragmented rock that remains in the harbour channel from previous dredging carried out under an existing consent. Russell Fredric Blasting of the channel, completed in the 1980’s, resulted in some fragmented rock being unable to be retrieved due to the engineering limitations of dredging machinery available at the time. This fractured rock was a potential impediment to present dredging operations and did not include any blasting activity. The commissioning in February 2022 of South Port’s new tug, Rakiwai, will further assist with handling ship movements through www.southroads.co.nz Call us on Specialists in: • Drainage • Earthworks • Aggregate supply & cartage • General siteworks and landscaping • Subdivisions & driveways 0800 822 833 Your Contractor of Choice Bluff. The tug, an Azimuth Tractor Drive manufactured in Vietnam by European manufacturer Damen, provides a considerable boost to South Port’s fleet’s muscle power. I t has a bollard pull (BP) of 65 tonnes, compared to the combined BP of 75 tonnes for two of the port’s existing tugs. Chief executive, Nigel Gear, says the tug is proving to be “an excellent addition to our marine fleet providing the extra capacity to handle the larger vessels and loads being carried through the port.” Rakiwai has replaced Hauroko which had a 35 tonne BP and which had been operating at the port since April 2000. Another boost to the port’s operations is that it now has four fully qualified, unrestricted pilots for the first time in six years. “We also have a fifth pilot in training who is expected to also reach this standard in the coming 12 months.” “This will assist with improving safety margins for ship movements and provide greater capacity for vessels to take on additional cargo.” Wharf project a winner - page 30
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