Seabed Characteristics

Dredging operations had ceased in two areas at Apapa North due to significantly reduced production rates. As a result of this CARES Group was commissioned to conduct an investigation into determining the characteristics of the material to be removed and to assess the impact on production rates.

In order to gain a detailed picture of the soil conditions including identifying the materials and determining their depths / extents boreholes were drilled using a Pilcon 1.5 Cable Percussion Drilling Rig.

Following the geotechnical site investigation a Stema Systems’ Silas Sub-Bottom Profiler was used to supplement the borehole data and identify the subbottom soils strata.

CARES Group provided an estimation of likely sediment volumes by sediment characteristics, a review of impacts on production rates and presented recommendations for improved dredging methodology.