The build-up of silt is a problem that is commonly faced by marinas all over the world. If the dredging works necessary to recover the required depths are carried out by conventional means (e.g. dipper dredgers), the piled or floating jetties need to be removed.

For many years now, Dravo S.A. has been carrying out maintenance dredging at a number of marinas. The method we use is called water-injection dredging (WID). By using small dredgers (transported on two trucks), dredging can be done without interfering in the slightest with the daily operations of the marina.

The effectiveness of the WID method depends on such factors as the type of silt, bathymetry/geometry, currents, tides, weather conditions and the location of the dredging area.

Before beginning WID operations, our technicians carry out a study of local conditions to optimise the results.

• A simple, natural method that avoids mechanical dredging and transport.
• Equipment small in size and easy to transport.
• Thanks to their small size, it can operate in shipping channels without interrupting maritime traffic.
• Dredging of underwater structures (scour protection, locks, quays, breakwaters).
• Enables areas that difficult to access such as small quays, dolphin structures, etc. to be dredged.
• Fast dredging solution with no need for auxiliary equipment.
• High production rate and low cost compared to traditional methods.
• The silt does not leave the natural system of erosion, transport and sedimentation.
• Minimal environmental impact, reducing CO₂ and noise emissions.
• Low carbon footprint compared to traditional methodse, natural method that avoids mechanical dredging and transport.