Scour Protection Efforts at Berth A and B
Stefanutti Stocks has been actively engaged in enhancing the Port of Durban Cruise Terminal. Their work, spanning from December of the previous year to May, involved significant scour protection efforts at Berth A and Berth B, undertaken for Transnet. This initiative was critical as the docking structures, which accommodate cruise liners, had suffered considerable erosion and damage over time.
Dredging and Seabed Restoration
To counteract the effects of erosion, Stefanutti Stocks executed comprehensive dredging operations to restore the seabed to its designated design specifications. The company’s approach not only aimed at immediate repair but also at ensuring long-term stability and functionality of the cruise terminal’s infrastructure.
Installation of Geotextile and Armour Rock
The restoration process included laying a double layer of A10 Geotextile, followed by the placement of a 1000 mm thick layer of armour rock. This strategically placed rock layer functions as a durable barrier, protecting against the erosive forces exerted by prop wash and side thrusters from docking ships.
Concrete Filling and Underwater Operations
In addition to the seabed restoration, Stefanutti Stocks addressed cavities beneath the quay wall, which amounted to 250 cubic meters. These voids were filled with concrete at a depth of 11 meters below the water surface, further solidifying the structural integrity of the berths.
Advanced Equipment and Techniques for Underwater Work
The project utilized a 36m x 19m barge equipped with an 80-ton Long Reach Excavator (LRE). To facilitate the underwater operations effectively, the LRE was enhanced with a GPS dig system. This technology, along with post-operation multi-beam surveys, provided critical visual feedback necessary for precise underwater work.
Armour Rock Placement Using Crawler Crane
The final step in the scour protection process involved the meticulous placement of armour rock. Each rock was loaded into a 6 cubic meter skip and then carefully lowered into the water by a 135-ton Crawler Crane, ensuring each piece was positioned accurately to provide maximum protection against future scouring.
Through these detailed and technologically advanced measures, Stefanutti Stocks has significantly improved the resilience and safety of the Port of Durban Cruise Terminal, ensuring it continues to serve as a vital hub for cruise liners in the region.