Maintenance dredging, also known as maintenance dredging, is the periodic cleaning of sediment, sand, and other materials that have accumulated in waterways, ports, harbors, and other marine structures to preserve their designed depths. Especially in regions with intense maritime traffic, natural sedimentation can lead to accumulations on the seabed over time, negatively impacting maritime traffic and port operations. Maintenance dredging plays a critical role in preventing these adverse effects and ensuring the safety of maritime transportation.
Purpose of Maintenance Dredging
Maritime transportation is a fundamental carrier of global trade. Ports serve as the primary transfer points of this trade, while waterways ensure the safe travel of ships. However, natural processes result in sediment accumulation on the seabed. Over time, these accumulations can negatively affect ship traffic, increase navigational risks, and complicate port activities. Maintenance dredging intervenes to prevent these negative outcomes.
The main purposes of maintenance dredging include:
- Ensuring Navigational Safety: Sediments accumulating in waterways and ports can hinder the safe movement of ships. Cleaning these accumulations offers a safe navigational opportunity for vessels.
- Optimizing Port Operations: Sediments accumulating in ports can complicate the berthing and movement of cargo and passenger ships. By preserving the depth of the port through maintenance dredging, continuous and efficient port operations are ensured.
- Reducing Infrastructure Damage Risks: Sediment accumulations can damage port infrastructure. They can pose risks, especially to the foundations of piers and other marine structures. Regular cleaning of these accumulations extends the lifespan of these structures.
- Protecting Ecosystem Health: Accumulating sediments can cause changes in the marine ecosystem. They can lead to decreased oxygen levels in certain areas or the loss of habitats for some marine organisms. Maintenance dredging can help maintain the balance of the marine ecosystem.
Methods of Maintenance Dredging
Maintenance dredging is a necessary process to maintain the functionality and safety of waterways and ports. The methods used for these cleaning operations can vary depending on the geographical characteristics of the area, the type, and amount of sediment accumulated. Here are common methods used for maintenance dredging:
- Mechanical Dredging: This method involves digging the seabed sediment using an excavator or other mechanical equipment. Mechanical dredging is especially suitable for quickly cleaning large sediment accumulations.
- Suction Dredging: This method is performed using a suction dredger. The material on the seabed is sucked up by pumps on the ship and then filtered through sieves on the ship.
- Hydraulic Dredging: Hydraulic dredging works on the principle of loosening sediment with high-pressure water jets and then transporting this material through a pipeline.
- Small Area Dredging: It is used for smaller and more precise cleaning operations. It is preferred especially in coastal areas, marinas, or areas with sensitive ecosystems.
- Ecological Dredging: This method aims to reduce sediment accumulation using natural processes. For example, it is possible to prevent sediment accumulation by directing water flow or planting certain types of plants.
- Combined Dredging Methods: A combination of the methods listed above can be used for more effective and efficient cleaning.
- Sonar and Other Technological Tools: Advanced sonar systems and other technological tools are used to make the cleaning process more efficient. These systems can determine where the cleaning process needs to be intensively applied.
