The maintenance dredging operations at the Port of Maputo and the access channels, to restore the depths created after the 2016 capital dredging campaign, have been concluded.
Dredging Operations, led by Jan de Nul Dredging Ltd, began in mid-October 2019. Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger Francesco di Giorgio and Water Injection Dredger Henri Pitot removed 1.5 million cubic meters of accumulated silt, mud and sand in four months’ time, focusing on the Matola, Katembe, Polana, Xefina and Northern Channels. The drafts of the berths of the Maputo and Matola terminals were also secured.
To take advantage of the presence of dredgers in the port access channel maintenance project, MPDC also used them in the rehabilitation project for quays 6, 7, 8 and 9. Note that that this rehabilitation project includes in-depth dredging work from the current -12m to -16m (quays 6, 7, 8) and -15 meters (quays 9), respectively.
As has been a hallmark in the major works carried out at the Port of Maputo, the training component for young trainees was included in the project. Engineering, marine and other students were welcomed on board the dredgers and were able to follow all aspects of the maintenance dredging works.
(Picture credits: Jan de Nul Dredging Ltd.)
