Boskalis is a global market leader in dredging. Our dredging activities include the construction and maintenance of ports and waterways, coastal defense and riverbank protection, and land development.

We execute large-scale, complex dredging projects thanks to our multidisciplinary expertise, global presence, and versatile dredging fleet. We are recognized for our high professional standards and our specialist knowledge of environmentally-friendly dredging techniques, innovative approach and focus on safety and cost efficiency.

Impressive track record

Boskalis has an impressive track record when it comes to developing maritime infrastructure, such as access channels for the safe passage of vessels.

Dredging techniques

To create or deepen an access channel, a number of specialized vessels are required. For the creation of the access channel to the new Manila International Airport, a number of trailing suction hopper dredgers will deployed in addition to a cutter suction dredger. 

The trailing suction hopper dredger sucks sand and material from the seabed using a suction head that is dragged over the seabed. The material is collected in the hold (hopper) of the vessel.

The cutter suction dredger cuts up the seabed with the use of a large rotating head and sucks up the loose material. The vessel is ideally suited for deepening very shallow areas and the removal of hard material. In the Manila Bay access channel, the dredged material will be directly loaded into a hopper dredger which safely transports and disposes of the material at the designated disposal site approximately 115 kilometers from the dredging location.

 

The construction of the most modern cutter dredger Helios:

 

How a trailing suction hopper dredger works:

 

How a cutter suction dredger works: