The David Allan dredger operates 12 hours a day 7 days a week dredging the commercial shipping channel at the Port of Newcastle.
It dredges the silt from the channel and dumps it out at sea to keep the bulk carriers safe and to stop them getting stuck after loading with either shipping containers or coal.
In the background you can see Nobby's Lighthouse at the entrance to the channel.
Very nice harbour shot and so we focused. Dredging must be very tedious - as soon as the silt is dumped away from the harbour, it will be carried back by the tide or undercurrents and the work has to be repeated continuously.
The never-ending task of dredging reminds me of the never-ending job of raking the beaches at night off the coast of New Jersey. (I think it's just for looks- no threat of people getting stuck in the sand!) Good shot.
Sounds like they are kept rather busy. It's fascinating to watch any working boats - dredgers, tugs etc. Without them harbours and ports wouldn't be easily accessible
@sangwann That's exactly right Dione, the silt gathers up in no time as the tide changes so it has to be cleared every day.
@pusspup It does an important job of keeping the channel open.