Port of Burnie seabed levelling works complete

TasPorts has completed the first phase of minor seabed levelling maintenance at the Port of Burnie, helping support safe navigation, efficient operations and continued operational continuity for customers and port users.

The works were completed over a 13-day period by Polaris Marine using specialised seabed levelling tug Molly Grace, with no disruption to vessel movements, customers or port users.

A port-wide hydrographic survey was completed after the works, with the data generally confirming improvements across most areas. Updated declared depths will be provided to port users through an upcoming Harbour Master Instruction.

The minor maintenance program redistributed more than 3,500 cubic metres of naturally accumulated sand and sediment across key operational areas, including Berth 7 and the entrance corridor, the area between Berth 4 and Berth 5, and the Northern Basin.

Planning is continuing for further works using alternative seabed levelling methods to deliver additional improvements.

Seabed levelling is a standard port maintenance activity that redistributes sand and sediment which naturally accumulates in working ports. These works help restore a flatter seabed profile, maintain safe navigational depths and support the continued reliability and resilience of port operations.

Environmental management remains a key focus for TasPorts, and all works were undertaken in accordance with relevant Environmental Protection Authority requirements, legislative obligations and TasPorts’ EPA-approved Environmental Standard – Seabed Levelling.

TasPorts remains committed to its dredge management program for the Port of Burnie, including maintaining design depths and improving operational flexibility and resilience for port users.

For more information, please contact TasPorts at projects@tasports.com.au.