From June 15–18, 2026, the “Dredging for Sustainable Infrastructure” course will be held for the first time in the Netherlands, while in the same week, the 5‑day Seminar on Dredging and Reclamation will be held from June 15–19, 2026, both organized in collaboration with IHE Delft Institute for Water Education. Together, these programs offer both a broad foundation and a forward-looking perspective on dredging, combining technical fundamentals with sustainability-driven project thinking.
From Technical Foundations to Sustainable Solutions
Dredging today is no longer only about moving sediment. It plays a critical role in shaping coastlines, enabling trade, supporting energy transitions, and protecting ecosystems. Under pressures from climate change, biodiversity loss, and increasing societal expectations, dredging and marine infrastructure projects must deliver more than technical performance alone.
The Seminar on Dredging and Reclamation offers a comprehensive introduction to the dredging industry. This five-day seminar is designed for anyone who wants to understand how dredging works in practice—from students and newcomers to stakeholders already involved in port, offshore, or infrastructure projects. It is unique in offering workshop exercises that cover the complete tender process, from start to finish. Through a series of lectures and workshops, participants will discover:
- The differences between various types of dredging equipment and methods;
- How dredging projects are planned, priced, and contracted;
- The fundamentals of dredging operations, from sediment removal to reclamation, and;
- Why, for example, a trailing suction hopper dredger creates a rainbow when unloading sand.
Running alongside this technical-focused seminar, the Dredging for Sustainable Infrastructure course—organized together with the Central Dredging Association (CEDA)—starts from a holistic perspective, challenging participants to rethink how dredging projects can simultaneously create environmental, social, and economic value. Rather than focusing solely on compliance, the course explores how sustainability can be embedded throughout the project lifecycle. A key focus lies on integrating multiple perspectives, dealing with differing stakeholder priorities, and delivering balanced, sustainable solutions.
Who Should Attend?
Together, the two programs cater to a wide and diverse audience, including:
- Government agencies and regulatory bodies;
- Port and maritime authorities;
- Consulting and engineering firms;
- Dredging and reclamation contractors;
- NGOs and environmental planners;
- Shipbuilders, equipment suppliers and financiers; and
- Students and professionals new to dredging.
Engineers, ecologists, policymakers, and project developers — even without prior dredging experience—will find practical tools, insights, and perspectives they can apply immediately. The diversity of backgrounds is considered a strength, supporting learning across disciplines and fostering a shared understanding of sustainable dredging ambitions.
With Delft as the backdrop, June 2026 offers a unique opportunity to build both technical competence and sustainable project insight in one of the world’s most dynamic water-knowledge environments.
In Short
- Choose the Seminar on Dredging and Reclamation if you want to understand how dredging works from the ground up.
- Choose the Dredging for Sustainable Infrastructure course if you want to rethink how dredging projects create value in a changing world.
Together, they form a complete learning pathway: from technical foundations to sustainable project leadership.
What are the key differences between the two courses? While they are complementary and held in the same week and city, they have clearly different focus, depth, and target outcomes. Read more about this here.
