Many references to “dredging efficiency” exist in publications pertaining to the dredging industry but there exists, in my opinion, an absence of reference to the individual components of dredging efficiency, how each component is measured, and how each measurement is then calculated and expressed in useful terms. Most references regarding dredging efficiency to date refer only to the physical result of dredging efficiency as it pertains to the dredge’s output. However, the dredge’s style, method of operation and other important variables imposed on the dredge operator including various project parameters and requirements are not explored. This paper will attempt to address these variables in a systematic approach allowing the dredging manager to analyze various factors affecting his overall dredging efficiency on an individual project basis.
