Dredge vessel the ‘Brisbane’ will work within the Port of Weipa’s south channel and inner harbour as part of the annual maintenance program between 17 May and 14 June 2017 inclusive.
North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) Chief Executive Officer Steve Lewis said the dredging works are an integral part of the port’s operations.
“NQBP manages the annual maintenance dredging program at the Port of Weipa, a program which has run for more than 30 years,” Mr Lewis said.
“Regular maintenance dredging is required to ensure that safe, navigable shipping depths are maintained for our port users such as Rio Tinto,.
“While the maintenance dredging works are being completed we ask that local and visiting boaties take extra care when on the water during this time.
“The ‘Brisbane’, as well as support vessels ‘Norfolk’ and ‘Pacific Conquest’, have restricted manoeuvring capability so we ask people on the water to pay close attention to displayed warning flags and lights,”Mr Lewis said.
Strict environmental controls and management measures will be implemented throughout the campaign to minimise the risk of any potential impacts on the marine environment.
