The Cabinet recently convened to address ongoing dredging operations at Crabbes and St. John’s Harbour, focusing on the challenges faced by Blue Ocean, the firm leading the project.

Representatives from Blue Ocean presented an update on their efforts to deepen the channel to accommodate larger vessels, including cement carriers and liquid natural gas (LNG) ships, which require a deeper draught.

Despite their ongoing efforts, Blue Ocean has encountered significant obstacles due to rocky material that has complicated their dredging operations. The company reported that the subcontractor hired to assist in the dredging has struggled to effectively remove the rocky substrate, which is critical for the channel’s deepening.

“Removing the rock requires larger equipment capable of cracking and ripping it from its foundation,” stated a Blue Ocean representative.

The company’s own equipment has proven to be more efficient, with claims that it can remove three times the amount of material compared to the subcontractor’s ocean excavator.

To continue their work effectively, Blue Ocean emphasized the need for timely payments to facilitate the procurement of spare parts, repairs for damaged equipment, fuel, and employee salaries.

These resources will be essential for ensuring the project remains on track and meets the demands of larger vessels as they look to navigate through the harbour.