Dredging plant
Port Otago’s dredging plant consists of two dredges – the Takutai and New Era – and two split hopper barges – Hapuka and TR Healy.
In December 2024, a joint venture was announced between Napier Port and Port Otago, whereby the two regional ports will build and purchase a $36m state-of-the-art trailing suction hopper dredge from Dutch shipbuilders Damen Shipyards.
Read full media release: Napier Port and Port Otago partner to build $36m dredge
Dredges
The Takutai
Maori translation: “Coastline”
- Dredge type: Backhoe
- Dredging depth: Down to 17.5m below water level
- Weight: 730t
- Built: 2014, in Poland
- Port Otago ownership: Purchased for $8m in 2018, from France
New Era
- Dredge type: trailing suction hopper dredge
- Dredging depth: Down to 15m
- Hopper capacity: 850 m3
- Weight: 1175t displacement
- Built: 1985, in Port Chalmers
- Port Otago ownership: Designed and built by Port Otago’s predecessor, Otago Harbour Board
Barges
The two split-hopper dredges work in conjunction with the Takutai. The Takutai fills each barge with dredging material from the Otago Harbour and a tug tows the barge out to one of our designated dredging disposal sites. The two barges “tag team”, allowing the Takutai to work full-time, as one barge is being filled, as the other is being towed out to sea to be emptied.
Hapuka
Maori translation: “groper – a large heavy-bodied fish with a big head and wide mouth found in warm seas”
- Barge type: Split hopper
- Hopper capacity: 750 m3
- Construction: Steel
- Built: 1975 in Australia
TR Healy
- Barge type: Split hopper
- Hopper capacity: 620m3
- Construction: Aluminium
- Built: 2012 in Auckland