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 metres of accumulated silt, mud and sand over a four month period, focusing on the Matola, Katembe, Polana, Xefina and Northern Channels. The drafts of the berths at the Maputo and Matola terminals were also secured.
Taking advantage of the dredgers’ presence for the port access channel maintenance project, MPDC also utilised them as part of the rehabilitation project for berths 6, 7, 8 and 9. This major rehabilitation project includes dredging the berths from the current -12m down to -16m (berths 6, 7, 8) and -15m (berth 9), respectively.
As has been the hallmark of the major works carried out at the Port of Maputo, a 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.
Source: MPDC/picture credit Jan de Nul Dredging Ltd