We are excited to announce the successful completion of Water Injection Dredging (WID) trials at the Port of Melbourne. The trials were conducted under the expert supervision of in2Dredging Pty Ltd (i2D) and were executed by the contractor, Polaris Marine Group.
The Water Injection Dredging Solution
This innovative approach harnesses the power of gravity to transport sediment without generating a carbon footprint. It thus offers an environmentally friendly solution for maintaining navigable waterways.
The WID trials confirmed that the sediment in the area could be easily jetted, as was accurately predicted by i2D’s proprietary Subsea Soil Jet Modelling (SSJ) tool. This advanced tool enabled us to realistically model the jetting process for loosening and slurrifying sediments. The SSJ tool facilitated effective planning and ensured a anticipated execution.
The WID process effectively loosened the sediment and diluted it sufficiently for dispersal into the surrounding environment. We used our Estimator for Water Injection Dredger (E4WID) tool to model the dilution process. This tool calculates the necessary dilution to reduce the sediment cloud’s density sufficiently to enable gravity to overcome the yield stress and disperse the sediment over a wide area. Notably, the dispersed material did not accumulate in the nearby Yarra River Channel, confirming the effectiveness of this dredging solution.
Within a short period, a considerable volume of sediment was removed with minimal disruption to shipping traffic, showcasing WID’s efficiency. This approach proved significantly faster than traditional submerged dredge pump dredging methods used in the past. Efficiency is a key advantage of the WID method, reducing downtime and allowing port operations to continue with fewer delays.
Importance of Modelling Reinforced
The trial not only demonstrated the efficiency and sustainability of WID at the Port of Melbourne but also reinforced the vital importance of accurate modelling in predicting sediment behaviour and for systematically planning dredging works. By leveraging our innovative dredging tools, we delivered a low-emission dredging solution that safeguarded the waterway’s integrity while protecting the surrounding environment.
We are proud of this achievement and look forward to future opportunities to apply our expertise in sustainable dredging solutions. Stay tuned for more updates on our cutting-edge projects!
