By regularly operating the pump we should be able to keep on top of the problem and avoid any inevitable disruptions caused by heavy machinery operating along the Eastern Esplanade.’ Last year we cleared the Haven over a four week period using diggers and dumper trucks. This will avoid the ensuing decomposition and associated bad smells which have affected trade to the town and esplanade over previous years. We are aiming to clear the Haven of previous years weed so that we can tackle the 2012 influx in late spring as and when it arrives. Initial trials have delivered very satisfactory results. Sean Strevens Cheetah Designer and Dredge Tester comments ‘The Minidredge is a very environmentally and people friendly solution to the problem of rotten seaweed at Ventnor. Unlike conventional dredgers the sliding nylon 5” pipes prevent the pumphead from straying horizontally as the boat is maneuvered. The bow features an aluminium A frame with track sliding which guides the pumphead vertically into the water column through Cheetah’s 1m2 moonpool.
The Cheetah Mini Dredge is an open boat adapted from the 10.2m catamaran design. The sand accumulates within the entrance forming a sand bar which reduces the time frame that the Haven can be accessed for the local fishing fleet. Once trapped within the Haven the seaweed breaks down anaerobically producing noxious fumes including hydrogen sulphide based compounds known to be dangerous to health. Sand and seaweed are continuously carried into the haven in suspension especially during periods of rough weather. Sediment and seaweed at Ventnor Haven has been a serious problem since the Haven was constructed in 2003.
The Cheetah Mini Dredge was launched in February and following a series of successful trials is undergoing the final stages of build to maximize its efficiency as a small suction dredger. Cheetah Marine has developed a shallow water mini dredger specifically to combat the problem of seaweed deposition at Ventnor Haven on the Isle of Wight.
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