Port of Freeport completes dredging to 16 meters

Port of Freeport completes dredging to 16 meters    Freeport Container Port has completed a six-month project to dredge the port’s entrance channel and turning basin to a depth of 16 meters.
   As a consequence, the Bahamas port said it is now the deepest port along the U.S. eastern seaboard and in the Caribbean region. The port can now accommodate the world's largest container ships either in service or currently under construction.
   The dredging is part of a $75-million “Phase IV” enhancement project at Freeport, adding 3,400 feet of quay wall at 15.5 meters depth alongside. Included is the provision of seven “super-post-Panamax” quay cranes, two Gottwald mobile harbor cranes, and 50 Kalmar straddle carriers.
   “We are fully committed to developing Freeport into a major regional hub for the Americas and Caribbean region,” said Freeport’s chief executive Chris Gray.
   Freeport Container Port is part of the Hutchison Port Holdings group of Hong Kong.