Amex Resources Limited’s new wharf will definitely dwarf  the present Queens Wharf in Lautoka.

Even the sea bed will be much deeper than that of the main wharf this to cater for Handymax vessels, which will load magnetite iron rich sand.

Handymax and Supramax  are bulk carriers with a capacity less than 60,000 deadweight (DWT). A Handymax vessel typically has a capacity between 35,000 and 50,000 DWT, while Supramax vessels are relatively bigger in size with 50,000 to 60,000 DWT. Modern handymax designs are typically 52,000-58,000 DWT in size.

Work has been ongoing at the site and the company’s general manager Alivereti Tuidravu has been pushing the contractors to complete the project in August this year.

“The 300m long berth wall will have 89 anchor piles, 179 king piles and 179 tie rods, and 575 tonnes of sheet piling all supplied from Belgium and this should be completed in a few days,” Mr Tuidravu said.

A plan has already been drawn up regarding the dredging of the wharf area.

Dredging at Lautoka Port is controlled by Fiji Ports Corporation Limited under the Sea Ports Management Act.

Amex’s plans to dredge allow larger vessels access the Lautoka Port . The amount to be taken out from the seabed is approximately 500,000 cubic metres.

“Amex’s vessels will be one of its kind as they are specifically made to suit the work there are will do,” he said.

“Vessels include a bucket wheel dredge, 65 metre long floating concentrator, work boat to service the dredge and floating concentrator, pusher tug , 4 x 52 metre hopper barges, refueller vessel and crew boat.

“The larger vessels are being built in China, the refueller and crew boat are being built locally.

“The vessels will be transported by a semi-submersible vessel approximately 200m in length.”

“Vessels include a bucket wheel dredge, 65  metre long floating concentrator, work boat to service the dredge and floating concentrator, pusher tug , 4 x 52 metre hopper barges, refueller vessel and crew boat.”