Sydney Ports Corporation completed its annual hydrographic survey of the Port of Eden throughout last week, with the help of its survey vessel, Port Explorer.
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Sydney-based surveyors arrived in Eden last Monday, and spent five days checking the depth of the water around shipping channels, berthing areas and other spots around Twofold Bay.
The vessel also conducted a search for submerged debris and objects that present a hazard to shipping, ensuring the port remains safe for commercial and recreational traffic.
It was removed from Snug Cove by crane on Monday.
Port of Eden harbour master Paul Webster said the Port Explorer uses a relatively new technology, which has substantially improved the results from previous surveys.
“It’s got a multibeam echo sounder, which has 120 different beams that give a very good three-dimensional drawing of the sea floor,” he said.
“Most surveys conducted in the past have been done with a single beam, so this new technology gives you a much more comprehensive picture of the sea floor and makes sure there are no gaps in the survey.
“This is the second time it’s been down here since Sydney Ports have taken over management of Eden; it was down here around this time last year as well.”
Mr Webster said the survey is an annual requirement under port regulations, and its major purpose is to make sure any changes to the sea floor since the last survey don’t jeopardise the safety of those using the port.
“It’s mainly to make sure that nothing has changed since last time, and that there are no extra shoals that we’ve missed or that have built up with sand movement.
“We have done some work just to have a look at where we will potentially have to dredge (to allow cruise ships to berth), but it’s an annual thing that we do; it wasn’t done for that purpose.”