Dredger

A vessel or floating plant equipped to excavate or remove material from the seabed.

Dredgers deepen or maintain channels and berths, recover aggregates, prepare construction sites and carry out other seabed work. Types include trailing suction hopper, cutter suction, grab and backhoe dredgers, each using different equipment and operating methods.

A working dredger may be restricted in its ability to manoeuvre and may have anchors, pipelines or equipment extending away from the hull. Mariners should observe its displayed signals, maintain a proper lookout and follow any local navigation directions or communications for passing the work area.