Project Description
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Virginia Port Authority recommended the Norfolk Harbor Navigation Channels be widened and deepened to accomodate larger and deeper ships making port calls in Hampton Roads. The Norfolk Harbor and Channels Federal Navigation project consists of a network of federally-improved channels extending from the Atlantic Ocean, through the Chesapeake Bay, and into the Port of Hampton Roads.
Major Challenges
One of the major challenges of this project is working within one of the most active and heavily trafficked ship channels on the East Coast. Coordinating the dredging operations while ensuring the safe passage of large commercial vessels through the channel requires meticulous planning, real-time communication, and the implementation of robust safety protocols.
Project Highlights
A key project highlight is the placement and pumping of dredged sands onto the Craney Island Dredge Disposal Material site. This not only facilitates the future raising of the levees but also increases the overall capacity of the disposal site, enabling the efficient management and containment of the dredged material. This approach supports the long-term sustainability of the dredging operations in the region.
Project Scope
The work at the Atlantic Ocean Channel consists of deepening dredging the Atlantic Ocean Channel to a required depth of -59 feet MLLW. One (1) foot of overdepth dredging will be allowed as part of the contract dredging pay prism. Dredged material required to be placemed within Dam Neck Ocean Disposal Site (DNODS).
