UK Dredging (UKD), Associated British Ports’ (ABP) dredging arm, is set to upgrade its fleet following the securing of funding to purchase a new dredger that will succeed UKD’s long-serving UKD Dolphin. The announcement comes as UKD celebrates its tenth anniversary this year.

The decision to replace UKD Dolphin was taken in late 2006. The 1,742-tonne trailing-suction hopper dredger, at 22 years old, has served the company well. UKD is now in the process of securing its replacement.

Over the past 10 years, UKD has undertaken over 300 dredging and surveying contracts, recently completing large-scale dredging works at ABP’s Immingham Outer Harbour project. The project – a £35 million riverside development – required the dredging of over two million cu m of silt and clay.

In 2006, UKD also undertook third-party contracts at the ports of Bristol, Sunderland, the Tyne, Milford Haven, Forth Ports’ Scottish ports and the ports of Waterford and Foynes in, Ireland.,

Jeff Neale, UKD’s General Manager, said:

“Since its creation a decade ago, UKD has utilised one of the most modern and efficient dredging fleets in the UK to fulfil dredging requirements for both ABP and third-party customers. ABP’s recent announcement is the perfect birthday present for UKD and will allow us to continue to offer a cost-effective and reliable service well into the foreseeable future.”

John Fitzgerald, ABP Port Director for the South Wales Ports and with overall responsibility for UKD, said: 

"This announcement is excellent news for UKD and ABP. The purchase of a new dredger will enhance UKD's dredging capability, ultimately benefiting both UKD’s third-party customers and ABP.”