dredging operations

Dredging operations involve removing sediment, debris, or underwater materials from the bottom of bodies of water like rivers, harbors, or channels. This process enlarges, deepens, or maintains waterways to ensure safe navigation for ships, prevent flooding, or support construction projects. Typically, specialized machines called dredgers are used, which scoop or suck up material from the waterbed and deposit it elsewhere, either onshore or underwater. Dredging helps sustain maritime infrastructure, manage water flow, and protect ecosystems, but it must be carefully managed to minimize environmental impacts.