Boskalis clinches contract to widen Australian shipping channel

Boskalis will widen the shipping channel to 170 metres from the current 130 metres, and extend the turning basin to accommodate the larger post-panamax containerships which are increasingly dominating global containerised cargo transport.

The expanded channel will also accommodate larger cruise ships to support the tourism industry.

The dredging project was awarded by port owner and operator Flinders Ports. Work is planned to start in the second half of 2019.

“Flinders Ports and Boskalis are committed to minimising the environmental impact of the channel widening program and maximising the ongoing health of the marine environment in line with the strict requirements of the Environment Protection Authority dredging license,” Boskalis stated.