NCIG Coal Export Terminal Stage 2F – Early Works and Dredging Main Works Contract

The backhoe dredge Machiavelli along with split hopper barges WH761 and WH762, two 500m3 hopper barges and tugs Kurutai, Kotor and Nautilus were contracted to dredge approximately 570,000m3 of marine sediments, stiff clays and rock from the Hunter River for the new Kooragang Berth K10 for Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group.

While the sediments and clays in this project were similar to what was dredged for the recently completed Hunter River Southern Embankment Departure Channel Dredging contract, the existence of approximately 150,000 m3 of rock presented a challenge as previous contractors also had to be removed.

To meet this challenge Heron designed and fabricated a 9 tonne ripper attachment for the Machiavelli that successfully ripped and dredged the rock, some of which had an UCS of 45MPA and a Point Load Strength of up to 9.5MPA.

The material was loaded into split hopper barges which were towed out to the offshore dump grounds for sea disposal A Marine Works Management Plan was formulated through consultation with the Harbourmaster, VTS and the pilots, this document set out protocols and procedures that had to be followed to ensure zero incidents occurred between the huge bulk carriers that call at Newcastle, tugs, pilot boats, ferries, other dredgers as well as recreational users.

The contract was successfully completed on time in 2012.