Coastal and Port Construction Solutions

Dredging

Every dredging project requires a flexible dredging fleet. The required equipment varies depending on the hardness and composition of the seabed, such as clay, rock, schist, sand, and silt, as well as the water depth. Before starting any dredging operation, we evaluate the project execution phases and assemble the most suitable equipment for the specific scope, including floating excavators, bucket dredgers, dump barges, cutter suction dredgers, and other specialized vessels, ensuring full compliance with project requirements.

All equipment used in our operations is fitted with RKT and/or DGPS positioning systems, allowing real-time monitoring of whether the work is being carried out in the correct area and at the correct depth. This helps prevent operational errors and minimizes time loss.

All equipment used in our dredging activities is owned and operated within our organization and is available for 24/7 operation.

LCM ROTA Marine is a specialized dredging contractor with expertise in the following areas:

  • Capital dredging
  • Port and channel dredging
  • Underwater rock drilling, blasting, rock breaking, and removal of fractured rock
  • Environmental dredging for ecosystem protection
  • Seabed leveling for construction projects
  • Dredging for coastal reclamation works

Types of Dredging

In parallel with the growth of international trade, the need for dredging in port maintenance and new coastal infrastructure projects continues to increase.

Port Construction

With global trade expanding, maritime transport has grown accordingly. To accommodate larger vessels, new ports are being constructed worldwide, and existing port infrastructure is being expanded. Dredging is essential for navigation channels, berthing areas, maneuvering zones, and land reclamation within port boundaries.

Maintenance Dredging

Ports and coastal structures are continuously exposed to sedimentation. Natural marine processes transport seabed materials into port areas and navigation routes, reducing usable depth. Rivers also carry alluvial materials that accumulate near deltas and coastal facilities. Over time, these processes prevent high-draft vessels from accessing these areas. Maintenance dredging is required to preserve operational depths.

Coastal Reclamation

Population growth has increased demand for coastal development. Residential areas, ports, and airports are expanding toward the sea. In many projects, dredged material is reused for reclamation, offering advantages in cost, time, and environmental impact.

Coastal Protection

Protective structures are required to safeguard coastal infrastructure from waves, erosion, and currents. Prior to construction, unsuitable seabed materials are removed and replaced with stable foundation materials through dredging.

Trench Excavation

Pipelines and cable routes are placed within trenches to ensure stability and protection. These trenches are created through dredging. DGPS systems ensure excavation accuracy in line with project specifications.

Environmental Applications

Dredging is used in industrial or polluted areas to remove contaminated sediments and restore water quality without harming the environment.

Lakes, Rivers and Dams

Dredging supports the maintenance of reservoirs used for hydropower and drinking water by controlling sedimentation and improving water quality.

Sand and Gravel Extraction

Marine aggregates such as sand and gravel are essential for construction. Dredging is used to extract and transport these materials from designated borrow areas.

What Is Dredging?

Dredging is the process of deepening, excavating, and preparing underwater ground using specialized equipment. The primary objective is to increase water depth and improve usability of waterways and coastal structures.

Before operations begin, seabed investigations are conducted. Based on the results, suitable equipment is selected. Excavated material is transported to designated disposal areas.

Our services support:

  • Port construction
  • Capacity expansion projects
  • Subsea works
  • Depth improvement operations

Dredging Methods

The selection of dredging methods depends on water depth, vessel size, and seabed conditions. Smaller equipment is used in shallow areas such as river mouths, while larger vessels operate in deep waters.

We perform dredging using:

  • Hydraulic dredging
  • Grab dredging
  • Bucket dredging
  • Clamshell dredging
  • Other specialized methods depending on ground conditions

Dredging Activities

Dredging involves removing and transporting materials such as mud, sand, and rock using machinery and pumps. Equipment selection varies depending on material type.

Key parameters considered:

  • Maximum dredging depth
  • Disposal distance
  • Material characteristics
  • Dredging volume

Dredging Vessels

Dredging vessels are specialized units designed for excavation and material handling operations. Depending on the project, different types are used:

  • Backhoe dredgers
  • Grab dredgers
  • Bucket dredgers
  • Cutter suction dredgers
  • Trailing suction hopper dredgers

Disposal Methods

After operations, dredged material is transported and discharged using:

  • Bottom door release systems
  • Pumping through floating pipelines
  • Submerged discharge systems

Advanced monitoring systems ensure operational efficiency and accuracy.

Vessel Features

  • High maneuverability and self-propelled structure
  • Suitable for offshore conditions
  • Optimized operational efficiency
  • Low vibration levels
  • High loading capacity
  • Advanced monitoring and control systems