At the East Mole, Congo Terminal is adopting a dredging method suited to the handling of oil sands
As part of the expansion of its port infrastructure, Congo Terminal has started dredging operations requiring specific adjustments to the methods used, given the presence of oil sands.
Before the operations began, Congo Terminal carried out a series of studies covering topographical, bathymetric, magnetometry, geotechnical (over 200 boreholes drilled) and geophysical aspects. These studies enabled the creation of a 3D model of bituminous sand layers and allowed the dredging methods and resources deployed to be adapted to minimize potential environmental impacts.
Since work began, three types of dredgers have been used. A pollution prevention system has been deployed to reduce the risk of hydrocarbons or particles spreading across the water surface: 5.5 km of floating booms and 4 km of containment skirts, two support vessels, stocks of absorbent and dispersant materials, as well as two teams dedicated to monitoring and response. Regular monitoring of the water surface is also carried out, notably using drones.
“Dredging oil sands on this scale is a technically complex operation, unprecedented in the Autonomous Port of Pointe-Noire, and presents significant environmental challenges. Through our collaboration with the Autonomous Port of Pointe-Noire, our aim is to manage these risks as effectively as possible by applying current standards – particularly environmental ones – and ensuring that impacts on the marine environment are kept to a minimum, whilst maintaining an open dialogue with the local communities around Pointe-Noire,” explains Pierre-Louis SAPIN, Project Director for Congo Terminal East Mole.
The extension of the East Quay is part of a long-term vision for a modern, competitive deepwater port designed to minimize environmental impacts, serving the economic and social development of the Congo and the sub-region. This next-generation infrastructure is designed to accommodate the significant growth in cargo volumes expected in the coming years. It will position Pointe-Noire as a key hub as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) comes into effect.
