The Project
In 2017, the Seychelles Government announced a project to expand its port facilities in the country’s capital of Victoria, on the island of Mahé. Originally constructed in 1972, the port required an upgrade to cater to the influx of cruise ships, military vessels and commercial vessels crossing the Indian Ocean. The new facilities included a new quay for commercial fishing, new shipping technology and new port safety and security measures.
Technical Solutions
The initial phase of the port extension and rehabilitation project included a 300-meter quay and dredging of the basin and approach channel to a depth of 16.5 meters to accommodate larger vessels. WGA provided coastal engineering services to inform the assessment of environmental impacts associated with the dredging works.
WGA conducted feasibility assessments and reviewed existing documentation to recommend dredge plant and auxiliary equipment and assess reclamation area works feasibility. A range of dredging methodologies were analysed, and their effects evaluated.
Client Focus
WGA’s recommendation was to use mechanical excavation methods such as backhoe dredging and barges that have shown to have less environmental impacts at the dredge and dredge material placement sites than alternative methods. Given the large pumping distances, it was more cost effective and less disruptive to port operations to utilise barges for the transportation of dredge materials to the proposed placement areas.
Key Personnel
The Port Victoria Rehabilitation and Extension Project – Dredging Assessment is included in the following sectors & services.
Click on one to find out more about that sector or service.