Multipurpose “sweeper” vessel joins Port of Newcastle fleet to bolster dredging capabilities

Dredging operations at Australia's deep-water global gateway have received a significant boost with the launch of Port of Newcastle's new multipurpose "sweeper" vessel, Lydia.

The bed levelling vessel will work in tandem with the Port's hydrographic survey team and David Allan dredger to provide safe, deep-water access to the port.

Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody said the Lydia will enhance the overall efficiency of current dredging operations, while improving post-flood recovery efforts.

"As the busiest port on Australia's east coast with more than 4,600 ship movements annually and a gateway for trade worth around $36 billion to the national economy, maintaining safe access is crucial to the Port's operation and so the addition of a multipurpose "sweeper" to compliment the work that is already being done by our survey and dredging team is an important investment for the Port," Mr Carmody said.