BT technology helps dredging channel for Dubai Ports

DP World (who own P&O) will build a new deep sea container port at London Gateway. This requires improvements to the existing frontage that will form the ship berths and a navigation channel 100km in length. The project will include reclamation to create the port frontage and deepening of the navigation channel particularly within the stretch of the Thames from the London Gateway site out to waters off Southend.

Environmental monitoring of water quality in the Thames was one of the conditions agreed with environmental bodies to enable the project to take place. This is to ensure that while dredging takes place the silt in the water remains within the natural background of what the river is used to. Therefore they have undertaken to deploy a network of sensor buoys throughout the Thames in close proximity to where dredging will take place. Sensor buoys will also be used to monitor sensitive habitats including bird feeding grounds and the local cockle beds.

Inspired by our SECOAS project, they came to us to learn about our experiences. We were able to describe relevant designs and intellectual property that we developed during our oceanographic monitoring work. The feedback from the visit was excellent. They have suggested that we help them to define their requirements for their tendering process, as they look for suppliers to build the system.