The remediation project on the Great Barrier Reef continues

Of

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

02-26-2020 04:20:00

Following one of the worst ship aground in the worldS., the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is now entering the next phase of the Douglas Shoal Remediation Project and plans to start a procurement process this year to involve a remediation contractor.

Douglas Shoal is located 90 kilometers off the north east coast of Australia near the main port of Gladstone. Douglas Shoal remediation project will address antifouling paint contamination and extensive, unconsolidated rubble caused by grounding of the fully loaded bulk coal carrier Shen Neng 1 In 2010.

With a footprint of over 40 hectares, this is the largest known ship land scar in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, a World Heritage Site, and possibly in the world. The main goal of the A $ 35 million project is to support the natural recovery of the shoal.

A site assessment undertaken in 2019 has provided more information on site conditions and refined areas of repair priority. Ten years after the grounding incident, contamination and rubble continue to impede natural recovery. A recently completed options analysis identified and evaluated a range of remediation methods in consideration of the project’s objectives.

The priority areas for reclamation have been refined to a total of about 10 hectares. These areas have varying features such as canals, flat expanses, small gullies and holes, which are affected by rubble or contamination. Analysis of options indicated that debris and contamination removal is probably the most appropriate remediation option, although the project remains open to considering non-removal methods.

The project is looking for innovative technologies to meet the highest environmental standards, given the sensitive location in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

More information, including project updates, opportunities and technical reports, can be found on the project webpage here.

The views expressed herein are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Maritime Executive.