Dredging involves all activities that are required in connection with the removal of sand, sludge and other layers of the water bed. It does, however, also involve land reclamation and surface water cleaning.

The word dredging is derived from slush, which is sludge resulting from plant remnants, waste and a soil material consisting of leaves that have attached to the bottom of waterways. Over time, this can hamper vessel traffic and the water discharge capacity.

It is therefore important that dredging sludge and dredging spoils are removed on a regular basis. The sludge is often polluted, which makes the disposal thereof more complicated (and more expensive). The Netherlands and Belgium are acclaimed for their many dredging companies which perform this work in many locations around the world.

The dredging vessels of Van der Laan are equipped with 2 different head attachments. The so-called Cutter head and Suction head. The diagram below illustrates the difference.


The term dredging also involves the removal of sand and gravel, as raw materials for many products in the construction industry.