Dredging & sediment management
Effective sediment management is essential for safe navigation, asset performance and environmental protection. Ports, marinas, coastal authorities and developers rely on clear evidence to plan and optimise dredging and disposal activities. Our teams combine decades of research, engineering and world leading modelling to understand sediment behaviour, assess impacts and design sustainable solutions. We help clients reduce uncertainty, meet regulatory requirements and manage sediment in ways that support people, nature and long term operational confidence.
Climate pressures shaping dredging and sediment behaviour
Changing wave climates, rising sea levels and more intense storms are altering sediment pathways and affecting how much dredging is required. These shifts influence harbour access, channel depths, environmental constraints and the stability of disposal sites. Clients now need sediment strategies that are climate‑ready, cost‑effective and environmentally responsible.
Key challenges in sustainable dredging and disposal
Clients must answer fundamental questions about cost, safety and environmental performance: How much sediment will accumulate - and how quickly? What disposal options are viable? How will plumes behave? How can operations remain compliant while minimising impacts on people and nature? Each site responds differently, so confident decisions depend on reliable evidence and a clear understanding of natural processes.
Engineering, modelling and monitoring to support better dredging decisions
We use advanced numerical and physical modelling, sediment tracing and bathymetric survey data and real‑time monitoring to analyse sediment movement. We assess dredge requirements, test disposal scenarios, evaluate water quality and model plume dispersion. Our expertise includes maintenance and capital dredging, beneficial use of dredged material, disposal site optimisation and integrated sediment management planning. With our blend of engineering insight, data and environmental understanding we develop practical, sustainable and regulatory‑ready solutions for our clients.
Delivering resilient and environmentally responsible sediment outcomes
Our evidence‑based advice helps clients improve navigational safety, reduce maintenance costs and operate more sustainably. We support the selection of efficient dredging methods, minimise environmental impact, enhance water quality and identify opportunities for habitat creation or beach nourishment. The result is clear, actionable guidance that strengthens operational confidence and benefits people, ecosystems and coastal economies.
Dredging & sediment management expertise
Predict erosion, deposition and long term change to inform dredging needs and management strategies.
Determine dredging volumes, frequencies and methods to support safe, efficient operations.
Evaluate turbidity, sediment plumes and environmental impacts to support regulatory submissions.
Assess disposal locations, behaviour of placed material and long term stability.
Identify opportunities for habitat creation, beach nourishment and climate positive reuse.
Use field data, tracing techniques and sensors to understand sediment sources, pathways and behaviour.
Evaluate ecological and water quality implications of dredging and disposal activities.
Assess how waves, currents and tides influence sediment dynamics across complex environments.
Develop sustainable sediment strategies that align operational, environmental and regulatory needs.
Use specialist physical modelling to test sediment behaviour and support engineering decisions.
Get in touch
Giulia Sforzi
