The Port of Port Hedland is one of Australia’s largest bulk export terminals, the primary commodity being iron ore.
Similarly, the Port of Bunbury is a large mainly bulk commodity port. Maintenance dredging is required approximately every 3 years to keep the inner harbours and their access channels cleared to design depth.
Dredging contracts involve the removal of up to 750,000 m3 of soft sediments by trailer suction hopper dredge (TSHD) at each location.
In 2004, both contracts were awarded to Dredeco Pty Ltd, who deployed one of the largest TSHDs in the world at the time - the 24,000 m³ hopper capacity, Pearl River.
BMT provided dredge supervisors on board the dredge 24 hours a day.
BMT was awarded separate contracts by the Port Authorities of Port Hedland and Bunbury to provide project management services for maintenance dredging campaigns in 2004 and 2007, respectively.
Synergies were created by BMT through the management of both projects which resulted in savings for both clients.
A very successful project outcome for PHPA, ahead of time and well within budget with an expectation of significantly greater than 200 mm additional draft achieved.
BMT's expertise in port planning and close knowledge of Western Australian ports, BMT provided port expansion options, dredging and construction solutions, and cost estimates for construction and facility operations.
BMT has been involved in a variety of tasks related to the expansion of facilities at Cape Lambert in order to increase the iron ore output capacity at the port.
GPA engaged BMT to manage all aspects of the dredging works, from the preparation of drawings and contract documents through to 24 hour supervision on board the dredge for the duration of the project.