Publication Abstract

A Review of Dredging Trends in the UK

L. A. Murray and N. Burt

The authors have been compiling historical and statistical information about dredging in the UK with an emphasis on recent trends. A brief account is given of the 200 year history of dredging since the first steam-driven bucket ladder appeared in the UK in about 1803.

After briefly outlining present policy and legislation affecting dredging and disposal the paper reviews capital projects giving a list of the main projects describing the types project and the quantities of dredging involved of different types of material.

The routine maintenance dredging activity in the UK will also be described, linking sedimentation processes with the need for maintenance and giving statistics of disposal quantities.

Coastal erosion is a problem in some areas and there are increasing trends to use soft defences rather than construction of sea walls. Dredging for beach nourishment is therefore practised routinely in the UK.

Dredging for aggregates for use in the construction industry is also a significant contributor to supplying the aggregate needs of the UK. In fact about half of the aggregate needs for the London area are supplied by marine sources.

No review would be complete today without considering how environmental concerns have influenced and continue to influence dredging operations. The paper will identify the concerns specific to the UK and say how they are being addressed. There have been a limited but growing number of opportunities for beneficial use and these too will be identified and briefly described.

Finally the paper will take a forward look based on the trends observable in the statistics presented but with an added touch of free thinking.

Reference:

L. A. Murray and N. Burt. 2004.A Review of Dredging Trends in the UK. Proceedings of World Dredging Congress XVll, Hamburg Germany 27 Sept -1 October 2004