TSHD Albatros ready for Lyttelton dredging campaign

Trailer suction hopper dredge Albatros is about to begin annual maintenance dredging campaign in Lyttelton, New Zealand.

Dredge Albatros in Lyttelton/Courtesy of LPC

Starting this week, visitors may spot the Dutch-owned Albatros working around Lyttelton Harbour. These works are part of an 11-week maintenance dredging campaign, said Lyttelton Port Company.

The Albatros, operated by Dutch Dredging, will carry out work in the main Lyttelton channel, along Cashin Quay and in the Inner Harbour.

According to LPC Engineering and Projects Manager Alistair Boyce, the dredging ensures LPC can accommodate the deep draught vessels. The dredging removes the naturally accumulating sediment within the channel.

During this campaign, the contractor will dispose dredged material at the new offshore site beyond Godley Head.

The dredging work is part of a 10-year maintenance dredging contract. Dutch Dredging and five other New Zealand Ports, including LPC, signed the contract in 2017.