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Dredge Replacement

The ageing cutter suction dredge CSD Sandpiper was decommissioned in October 2005 and the CSD Melbourne was chartered to move sand from Reeves and Hopetoun navigation channels whilst a new dredge was constructed.

In consultation with Gippsland Ports' dredging staff and consultants, a technical specification and contract documents were drafted for the supply of a new cutter suction dredge that would have greater production capability than the chartered CSD Melbourne and would provide up-to-date amenities for the operational staff.

A tender process to purchase the new dredge was opened on 10 May 2006 and at closing on 29 June 2006, five tenders were received containing a total of nine dredger options.

A comprehensive evaluation process determined the preferred tenderer and identified the dredger considered most suitable.

The Contact was awarded to Birdon Group Pty Ltd to supply the new dredge, ready for operation in June 2007.

The new dredge, named CSD Kalimna, was delivered in late July 2007 and assembled at Gippsland Ports' Bullock Island Boatyard where it was launched to begin its commissioning trials in Reeves Channel.

On August 24, 2007 Gippsland Ports accepted the CSD Kalimna after she had proven that it met the technical and performance requirements of the specification.

On the 2 November 2007 the CSD Kalimna was officially commissioned and named at a ceremony held on Bullock Island by the Minister for Environment and Climate Change the Hon Gavin Jennings MLC. The Kalimna is named after an area in Lakes Entrance. Kalimna is the Aboriginal word for "beautiful" or "view of the water".

Since the Kalimna was commissioned it has primarily operated in Reeves Channel (Narrows) providing a clear channel for all mariners. As part of the Trailing Suction Hopper Dredge Trial it has also assisted the TSHD Pelican in extending a deeper channel further up the Narrows towards Kalimna Jetty. The Kalimna is a more efficient Cutter Suction Dredge than past dredges.