The Société portuaire du Bas-Saint-Laurent et de la Gaspésie (SPBSG) plans to update the dredging template for the port of Gros-Cacouna every ten years. A template covering a smaller area than during the last dredging operation was proposed. To find out if this new size is safe, the SPBSG called on the CSEM to undertake a series of simulated maneuvers in the port of Gros Cacouna. These maneuvers will aim to verify whether the proposed dredging plan would allow ships to operate safely in this restricted maneuvering area compared to the old one.
For the purposes of this study, SPBSG provided CSEM with the geographic coordinates of the proposed dredging area so that CSEM could trace its contours on the operator’s station. This made it possible to visualize the scanning of the ships’ hulls during different maneuvers in the dock.

Two (2) vessels representative of those calling at the port were chosen for the PHASE I simulations. At the request of the SPBSG, the PHASE I simulations were carried out without use of the bow thruster.

An experienced pilot who knows the port of Gros-Cacouna very well carried out the maneuvers necessary to validate the project.