The lack of deepwater access at Cairns was considered a major economic hurdle for Far North Queensland. Ports North (PN) therefore pursed a plan for deepening and widening of the entrance channel and basin at the Port of Cairns, large enough to accommodate large cruise vessels.
Being located in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, the project had unique challenges and opportunities, with approval eventually granted in 2018 for dredging of approximately 800,000 cubic metres of soft and stiff clays, and onshore placement of all materials. The need for onshore materials placement and reclamation emerged following the Federal Government’s ban on sea disposal in 2015. The success of the project was recognised by being awarded an Engineers Australia Engineering Excellence Awards (AEEA) 2020 for the Queensland Division.
On 2 Dec 2021 PIANC WA Chapter presented a hybrid technical seminar on the Cairns Shipping Development Project. Learn about this complex channel deepening project in Far North Queensland with insight from the consultant and the contractor’s perspective. Thanks to our event sponsors – PIANC corporate members BMT and Hall, and our speakers Charlie Bicknell and Tim Green.
View the webinar here.