A single source of truth for the dredging industry
A modern cutter suction dredger (Photo credit: Dredgepoint)
CEDA-owned dredging intelligence network Dredgepoint is a comprehensive library of historical and current equipment. The database has now reached 10,000 equipment pages and provides an important reference source for dredging equipment and vessels, owners, shipyards, suppliers and ports.
The global dredging market is growing rapidly, with the value estimated at US$10.66 billion in 2024 and projected to reach US$13.14 billion by 2032. With large-scale infrastructure projects being implemented globally, it is important to have quick and free access to accurate information on all the dredging equipment and vessels, shipyards and ship owners available across the world, which Dredgepoint provides on its database.
Project managers, equipment manufacturers and designers, and other stakeholders such as dredging company users, procurement teams and brokers, can research and compare different types of equipment, armed with detailed technical specifications to ensure optimal selection for specific tasks. Thereby streamlining the often complex supply chain in dredging projects.
The project, which was started by Captain Henk Klooster, went live online in 2009 and was subsequently acquired by CEDA in 2021. The data is publicly sourced, and the database is managed and updated daily by a team of volunteers, with the latest volunteer from China to expand information from that region. While CEDA members have access to additional documents and can do advanced searches, Dredgepoint is available to everyone. It provides the opportunity for companies, regardless of size, to access both historical and current data according to their purpose.
Modern trailing suction hopper dredger with LNG installation (Photo credit: Dredgepoint)
Encouraging collaboration
Dredgepoint has seen approximately 14,000 visitors per month over the last two years, with the top countries being the Netherlands (30%), United States(19%), India (12%) and United Kingdom(12%). Beyond the practical benefits for individual companies, Dredgepoint also fosters a more connected and collaborative industry. By providing transparency into the various players within the sector, the platform facilitates networking and potential partnerships.
Dredgepoint plays a crucial role in preserving and disseminating industry knowledge. The archiving of historical data and the evolution of dredging technologies contribute to a collective understanding that benefits both seasoned professionals and newcomers to the field.
An inland cutter suction dredger in the 70’s (Photo credit: Dredgepoint)
Thierry Dikstaal, who has been with Dredgepoint from the beginning and continues to manage the database, explains to CEDA Industry News (CIN), “While data on current equipment allows companies to plan for their businesses, historical data allows us to create the story of the dredging industry and connects and records the changes across time.” Dredgepoint can be an important resource for educational purposes, and even the Dredging Museum in Sliedrecht uses the database as a source of information.
Evolving trends
The data housed within Dredgepoint also reveals trends in the dredging industry. It can show patterns of technology adoption, fleet composition and market activity. As André Kik, a CEDA board member and contact point for Dredgepoint, explains to CIN, “By analysing historical and current data, we can see an increase in scale and a shift towards larger, energy-efficient dredgers, and a move towards electrification and the use of green energy sources.”
The economic advantages of a centralised resource are also becoming increasingly apparent. The significant reduction in time spent on information gathering translates into cost savings for dredging companies. “The ability to make more informed decisions based on comprehensive data minimises the risk of costly errors and ensures the selection of the most appropriate resources for specific needs, “ explains volunteer Chris van den Boogaard to CIN.
As the dredging industry continues to evolve to meet the demands of the rapidly growing dredging and infrastructure projects, the value of platforms such as Dredgepoint will continue to grow to provide vital information for companies, helping them streamline project logistics and reduce operational costs, provide potential collaborative opportunities and insights into the wider dredging industry.
Sponsors
Apart from our volunteers, we also have corporate members supporting the maintainance of the database. You can find them all here: https://dredgepoint.org/dredging-database/sponsors
While the advice given in this editorial content has been developed using the best information available, it is intended purely as guidance to be used at the user’s own risk. No responsibility is accepted by CEDA or by the Intent Communications Ltd or by any person, firm, corporation or organisation who or which has been in any way concerned with the furnishing of information or data, the compilation, publication or any translation, supply or sale of this Guidance for the accuracy of any information or advice given herein or for any omission herefrom or from any consequences whatsoever resulting directly or indirectly from compliance with or adoption of guidance contained therein even if caused by a failure to exercise reasonable care.