Caltex Kurnell Wharf Berthing Facility Dredging Contract.

In 2012 Caltex Australia made the decision to convert their Kurnell Refinery into a major import terminal, as part of the Terminal Conversion Project, dredging was required to deepen the sub-berth, approaches and the berths at the Kurnell Wharf to allow larger ships access to Caltex’s facilities in Botany Bay.

Dredging commenced in October 2013 with the backhoe dredge Machiavelli, 2 x 1200m3 split hopper barges and tugs Kurutai and PT Kythira. Approximately 143,000m3 of sediment was dredged by the Machiavelli with the vast majority of it disposed at the Sydney Offshore Dump Grounds located 25 kilometres north east of Botany Bay.

The dredging was completed two days before Christmas 2013, while minor seabed levelling and the post dredge survey were carried out in January 2014.

The project was completed two months ahead of schedule, due to thorough planning, early engagement with the Sydney Port Corporation (SPC) Harbourmasters office together with NSW Roads and Maritime Services (RMS). Also key to the success of the project was Heron’s strict adherence to procedures and protocols that were put in place to protect the heritage site of Botany Bay during dredging activities.