Brisbane Airport

Sustainable dredging for the extension of Brisbane Airport

Our client
Early 2008 the Brisbane Airport Corporation awarded Van Oord the contract for dredging and reclamation activities for the expansion of Brisbane Airport in Queensland, Australia. Trailing suction hopper dredger Volvox Asia moved into place in April and operated continuously for approximately 12 weeks.

Our work
Van Oord loaded 2 million m³ of sand from Middle Banks in Moreton Bay and pumped it ashore via a temporary pipeline into four reclamation areas close to the present airstrip at the Brisbane Airport. The pumping distance for the Volvox Asia was an impressive 2,600 to 3,200 m. Part of the sand will be used for other construction activities at Brisbane Airport.

Our results
The dredging and reclamation activities were subject to an environmental monitoring programme and were carried out under strict environmental control. As a result, Van Oord was able to complete the project on time, while respecting the allowed turbidity levels of the discharge water.