In 2015 Able submitted MLA-2015-00334 to carry out dredging in support of the operations of Able Seaton Port. After 12 variations the application now covers maintenance of the approach to Seaton Port, captial dredging to adapt the approach and capital dredging to alter the docks within the port.

“Requesting new licence to replace previous one L/2012/00160/8. Objective is to improve access into Able Seaton Port by deepening approach channel and maintaining access thereafter. The facility is an emerging business and works will be undertaken on demand in accordance with commercial developments.

There is an immediate need (Q1/2017) to dredge the approach channel and holding to -6.5mCD in order to receive the Shell Brent Delta module.

As discussed at a meeting with MMO (Adam Chumley/Matthew Kinmond) on 26/10/16, further dredging campaigns will be undertaken in response to commercial demand. Volumes of material to be dredged and disposed of are given in the attached spreadsheet.

Dredging to be undertaken on a 24/7 basis to maximise use of plant.

Tees Bay A - Disposal of dredged silts and soft material.

Tees Bay C - Disposal of dredged clay.

Able Seaton Port Holding Basin and Channel -

• Deepening of Seaton Channel, Seaton Channel Holding Basin and Quays 10 and 11 - Navigational dredging (capital)
• Maintenance dredging of Seaton Channel, Holding Basin and Quays 10 and 11 - Navigational dredging (maintenance)
• The use of Erosion Mats for mitigation purposes - Maintenance of existing works
• TERRC Basin, Quays 7, 8 & 9 - Lowering of the TERRC Basin to -8.5mCD - Navigational dredging (capital)

Removal of silt sediment on the grounding bed within the dry dock by divers using hand suction - maximum amount 700 dry tonnes.

MMO calculation of wet tonnes is a lower figure than applicant will remove, so request to revert to applicant requested higher wet tonnes figures.

Extension of the license to include to dredge the wet dock (previously dry dock) adjacent to berths 8 and 9, from present depth of 6.5 meters to 8.5 meters, to accomodate semi submersible rigs. Request exemption from any seasonal limitations to dredging due to being with wet dock.

Extend license to include TERRC Basin, using a wide range of dredgers, this is necessary to allow access Quay 6 by a wider range of vessels.

Extension to allow the use of erosion control matting over the intertidal flats where the existing slopes will be steepened, this has also been requested of Able UK by the Power Station.

Correct coordinates on the license to align with real areas where work is being undertaken.

Include additional areas within the holding basin where an additional 30,000 tonnes of clay will be removed. This will result in a deepening of the area within the holding basin from -9.5mCD to -13.5mCD, making this part of Quay 10.

2005 sampling - only supplied as poorly scanned pdf - pdf. 2016 sampling - surface channel - only trace metal data - MMO Template Spreadsheet - Sample Results 20.04.2016.xlsm - sediment data explorer. 2017 sample - surface berth 8 and 9 - only trace metal, PAH, tin data - MMO Template Spreadsheet - 20171110 SAM201700066A Able Seaton Port Berth 8 9 MMO Results Template(4).xlsm - sediment data explorer. 2020 sample - surface port and channel - more complete sample set - MMO Template Spreadsheet - MAR00562.xlsm - sediment data explorer. 2022 sample - surface port and channel - MMO Template Spreadsheet - CorrectedMAR01671 MMO_Results_Template Rev 1.xlsm - sediment data explorer.

Drone video of the Causeway dredger in Seaton Channel:

Drone video of the dredgers Causeway and Magnor in Seaton Channel:

Film of dredger Magnor operating on the south side of the Seaton Channel, filmed from the mudflats of North Gare.