Sydney’s cruise gateway undergoes a seabed upgrade
In Australia, the Port Authority of New South Wales is advancing a major infrastructure project at Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal in Circular Quay Harbour. The project is designed to enhance the berthing facilities for large cruise ships while protecting waterfront infrastructure from seabed erosion. The work forms part of a $25 million upgrade to maintain safe vessel operations while supporting long-term infrastructure resilience.
The latest phase involves placing approximately 1,200 specially designed rock bags, each weighing eight metric tons, at a depth of 11 metres (36 feet) below the surface. Constructed with recycled polyester netting and filled with basalt rock, the bags will be placed in a mosaic pattern to create a protective layer that helps prevent erosion, including any scouring generated by cruise ship propulsion systems. The installation will stabilize the berthing area and reduce the risk of damage to wharf structures.
This upgrade follows the removal of sediment build-up that had accumulated within the berthing area. By deepening the berthing area by approximately one metre (3.2 feet), the project is helping to ensure that the harbour facility continues to safely accommodate large cruise ships.