The Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority has invited tenders for maintenance dredging of the approach channel to the Mykolaiv seaport (the 13th tributary of the Dnieper-Bug Estuary). The dredging work is aimed at maintaining the depth and ensuring the safety of navigation in the approach channel.

The technical requirements and other information for bidders are provided in tender documents posted in the ProZorro electronic public procurement system, the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority announced.

"The volume of cargo turnover in the ports in the Mykolaiv region is increasing steadily every year, totaling 28.6 million tons in 2016. The volume of dredging work at this facility is relatively small, but it is an important work that should be performed,” the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority’s head Raivis Veckagans said.

The dredging work will involve removal of sediment (silt and sand) from the approach channel to maintain its depth at 11.2 meters. The estimated volume of dredging is 125,000 cubic meters.

The deadline for submitting tenders is September 8. Domestic and foreign dredging companies can participate in the open tender.

The Dnieper-Bug Estuary canal is the main shipping canal for vessels traveling from the Black Sea to ports, sea terminals, and shipyards in the Mykolaiv region, as well as partially to the Kherson sea channel through which ships enter the Dnipro River. The Dnieper-Bug Estuary canal has a width of 100 meters, a length of 81.37 kilometers, and a depth of 11.2 meters. Ships of up to 215 meters in length, up to 32.5 meters in width, and up to 10.3 meters in draft can pass through the canal. The tributary of the Dnieper-Bug Estuary canal is the Mykolaiv port’s approach channel.