New dredging method used on Wharf St slipway

Dredging the Whanganui River at the Wharf St slipway.

A new method for clearing the Wharf St boat ramp of silt is being trialled on the Whanganui River.

A cutter suction dredge has been working at the boat ramp this week to clear 1-1.5m of silt off the river floor.

Port manager Phil McBride said a silt build-up had made the slipway sometimes impassable for boats at low tide.

But the main concern was the Coastguard, which needed to be able to get out at all times.

A digger sits on a barge digging up silt, which is pumped out into the river channel to be carried out to sea by the outgoing tide.

The cutter suction dredge has been hired from Whakatane.

McBride said if the trial succeeded the plan was to have a the method available locally so "we'll be able to do it when we need to respond".

"We're looking at a local option very similar to that. If we develop our own solution based on this concept we'll definitely be looking for a local contractor to build it up for us," he said.

"We're working with the Coastguard to ensure they are happy with the situation and they've been providing advice to us as well."

He said previously a digger had been used off the wharf, dumping silt on the wharf to dry.

McBride said that involved double handling and was messy.

Meanwhile, McBride advised boaties to check tides and always aim to time launches for higher tides..