Sand and gravel

Dredging for sand and gravel at sea to supply the construction industry is becoming increasingly important. The global trend for the extraction of aggregates is increasingly under threat due to environmental restrictions and other considerations. In addition, the development of coastal areas involves large-scale building activities in which sand and gravel are essential assets.

For applications on land, IHC Merwede delivers dedicated suction dredgers, but the process of dredging can also be executed at sea with specifically designed hopper dredgers. These vessels have adjustable hoppers, higher specific weights and dry excavation installations on board for such dredging jobs.

A typical example is the VICTOR HORTA, which was designed specifically for the extraction of sand and gravel from the sea floor to supply the construction industry. The vessel’s submersible dredge pump allows the extraction of sand and gravel from depths of 60 metres below sea level.