its that time of year again

Q: Why does Port Nelson Limited use a Dredge?

A: We have an ongoing Resource Consent to clear the shipping channels and wharves of debris that mainly comes down the Maitai River and collects on the seafloor. As agreed in the consent, this material is disposed at an approved dump ground in the Tasman Bay, sited approximately 3.5 kilometres west of the harbour entrance. The dredge Kawatiri is contracted from Westport every year to undertake this work.

The type of dredge used is predominantly a trailer suction, however, a backhoe dredge is used to excavate rocks and hard material.  Both of these are contracted from outside Nelson.

Over the past 10 years, Port Nelson Ltd has dredged on average 50,000 cubic metres of material per year. 

SOURCE – www.portnelson.co.nz