Major maintenance dredging campaign begins at Port of Devonport
TasPorts will begin a major maintenance dredging campaign at the Port of Devonport next week, supporting safe navigation and port operations at one of Tasmania’s most important freight hubs.
The dredging vessel – which is operated by Dutch Dredging Australia Pty Ltd – will arrive in Devonport today before starting the 14-week dredge campaign.
Up to 470,000 cubic metres of sediment, including sand, rock, clay and silt which flows down the Mersey River will be removed and relocated to an offshore disposal site.
TasPorts Group Executive, Major Projects, Assets and Technical Services, Michel de Vos said regular dredging and seabed levelling is an essential part of securing Tasmania’s connection with mainland Australia and international markets.
“Routine dredging ensures the navigational channels and berths remain at their declared depths, which in turn provides a safe navigational passage for Tasmania’s major freight and tourism operators to pass through the port,” Mr de Vos said.
The campaign will be the first to be carried out under TasPorts’ new 10-year Sea Dumping permit, issued by the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).
Mr de Vos said the approval of the 10-year permit is the result of extensive environmental assessments, detailed planning and meaningful engagement with stakeholders, including an independent Technical Advisory Consultative Committee (TACC) comprised of local and state government representatives, community members, fishing and environmental groups.
As part of its robust environmental management, TasPorts will record and monitor real-time water quality data which is transmitted 24/7 from six water quality monitoring buoys deployed in the surrounding port area.
“With strong baseline data and real-time monitoring, we will be able to effectively monitor and respond to any changes in water turbidity during the campaign, including stopping or slowing the speed of the dredge, said Mr de Vos.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Kerry Vincent, said the Port of Devonport is a vital gateway into Tasmania.
“For many visitors to our island, the Port of Devonport is their first experience,” Minister Vincent said.
“We need it thriving, and we want to see it running smoothly as we welcome freight, passengers and livestock in and out of our island home.
“This is an impressive undertaking, and I look forward to it backing in one of our busiest port facilities for years to come.”
Dutch Dredging Australia Project Manager Ron Heijkoop said the dredging vessel is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to respond to any fluctuation in water quality, including an overflow system designed to reduce fine sediments being released at the surface of the water.
“By controlling how overflow water is discharged, we can minimise turbidity and the potential for sediment dispersing beyond the dredging area,” he said.
“During the dredging campaign, Dutch Dredging Australia will work closely with TasPorts to adjust operations, if required, in response to any changes in water quality identified through their monitoring buoys,” Mr Heijkoop said.
A rolling average of live water quality data is publicly available on the TasPorts website.
The Port of Devonport is one of Tasmania’s largest freight hubs with 938 vessel visits and more than four million tonnes of freight moving through its waters in FY2025, including key commodities such as fuel, industrial bulk and general cargo.
For more information visit: TasPorts' Dredging Program
