A $1.6 million upgrade to the Cullen Bay channel has recently been completed, which will allow marina users to navigate more safely through the Cullen Bay basin and into the Darwin Harbour. 

These works will improve passage for ferry transport between Darwin and the Tiwi Islands and between Darwin and Mandorah. The works have removed navigational hazards obstructing vessel access through the channel to the ferry terminal and will ensure that vessels up to a 2.5m draft will be able to access the facility at all tides. 

This project involved the removal of approximately 91,000 cubic metres of mud, clay and sand from the basin, jetty and marina entrance. 

The project was delivered with a 12m cutter suction dredge which removed the material from the sea floor before being sent via a 1km pipeline to the discharge point approved by the Environmental Protection Authority. A high spec multi-cat vessel was engaged on the project to carry out anchor handling, barge moves, pipe handling and logistics. 

The primary dredging to design requirements was completed in early July followed by seabed levelling to remove minor high spots. The post dredge survey was completed this week.  

The project was delivered by local business Bhagwan Marine, which maintained a 67 per cent Indigenous workforce including six indigenous trainees in 2018 for this project. These trainees will significantly benefit from the project through gaining vital skills, experiences as well as undertaking formal training they can carry on as they pursue their careers in the marine industry. 

“Bhagwan Marine is committed to the employment and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, which is demonstrated through our highly successful Indigenous Employment Program” said Tom Abraham, Operations Superintendent, Bhagwan Marine.   

Throughout the project the team worked closely with the Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority to ensure there was minimal impact to the marine ecosystem and environment.

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