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Trinity Inlet channel deepening allows Queen Elizabeth to berth at Cairns

Queen Elizabeth in Cairns.jpg
Queen Elizabeth docks in the heart of Cairns
Cunard’s 92,000gt Queen Elizabeth became the largest cruise ship to berth at the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal in Far North Queensland on Friday.

This was possible thanks to work done by the Australian Hydrographic Office in conjunction with the deepening of the Trinity Inlet channel.

Ship simulations

Carnival Australia has been involved in ship simulations that helped set the scene for larger ships to navigate the channel to berth alongside in the heart of the city.

Pivotal role

‘The Australian Hydrographic Office played a pivotal role in using high technology that confirmed that the safe operating area within the now deepened channel was greater than previously thought,’ Carnival Australia’s marine operations director Mike Drake said. 

‘The production of bathymetric electronic navigation charts by the Australian Hydrographic Office has made a significant contribution to enabling larger ships to safely enter Cairns,’ Drake said.

Ports around Australia

‘The Australian Hydrographic Office is leading the way in producing these navigation aids in a number of ports around Australia.

‘The focus on developing and using specialised charts is important as it allows full navigable waters to be shown to assist navigating teams and port pilots.’