The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission unanimously approved a variance this week enabling the N.C. Ports Authority to go ahead with the Port of Wilmington dredging project, according to CRC Chair Frank Gorham.
The present 1,200-foot turning basin at the Port of Wilmington will be expanded to 1,400 feet so the port can service vessels in the New Panamax class that will be calling on the port in 2016, the WECT TV-6 reports.
This $16 million dredging project is estimated to take five months and about 100,000 cubic yards of material is expected to be removed during the scheme.
New Panamax vessels are expected to begin transiting the Panama Canal in 2016, and it is the objective of N.C. Ports to be prepared for these vessels by May 2016.
The full variance materials can be found here.
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