Adequacy of Dredging Methods and Equipment in the United States for Maintenance of Navigable Waters

The Task Committee reviewed the dredging fleet in the United States (both Federally and privately owned) to determine its usage rate and adequacy. Basic information and needs such as type of material disposal, new dredging parameters, and environmental concerns are documented. The ability of the dredging fleet to meet these needs and future requirements is evaluated. It was concluded that the dredging fleet is generally obsolete and not able to fill the current need for operations in exposed waters and for beach nourishment. Generally, there are insufficient hopper and sidecasting dredges (entirely Government owned). The dustpan and mechanical dredge fleet is adequate to cope with existing and foreseeable requirements. Pipeline dredges are only about 50% utilized (predominantly privately owned) and are in need of modernization.