Source: https://www.quantsurv.com/sectors/marine/dredging-and-reclamation
Content format: Markdown version of the public page.
Content reviewed: 2026-10-13

# Dredging and reclamation

Quantity surveying and claims support for dredging, material transport and reclamation construction packages.

## Commercial challenges and how we approach them

Dredging and reclamation involve removing, moving or placing material against defined areas and levels. The commercial account depends on the agreed measurement basis and the relationship between surveys, recorded movements and accepted work. Mobilisation, transport and placement may be priced separately or included within combined rates.

### Dredgeability differing from the investigation

#### The Challenge

Material strength, buried obstructions and mixed strata affect the equipment and production rate needed to dredge an area. A measured volume alone does not explain the cost of materially different conditions.

#### Our approach

We compare the material encountered with the investigation and the contract's ground baseline. Production logs and technical findings help explain whether the difference changed the equipment, method or rate of progress. A larger volume and more difficult dredgeability are separate questions, and each needs its own assessment under the agreed risk allocation.

### Survey quantities and re-siltation

#### The Challenge

A lower seabed on a later survey does not necessarily mean that all of the difference is payable dredging.

#### Our approach

We reconcile the survey dates with the measurement, tolerance and acceptance provisions. Capital work, over-dredging and any obligation to maintain the completed area remain separate in the account.

### Disposal or reuse of dredged material

#### The Challenge

The same volume can cost much more to remove if its permitted destination changes. Extra sailing distance, treatment or handling may drive the difference rather than excavation itself.

#### Our approach

We identify the priced material and destination assumptions. Specialist results, permits, trip records and instructions support the valuation of changed handling and transport, with original allowances credited.

### Reclamation fill, settlement and ground improvement

#### The Challenge

Delivered fill volume is not the same as the accepted compacted landform. Settlement, material losses and ground-improvement requirements can create disagreement over quantities and completion.

#### Our approach

We check whether payment measures material supplied, placed or accepted in the final landform. Borrow and delivery records are reconciled with surveys and the engineer's acceptance evidence. Settlement, losses and ground improvement must be treated in accordance with that basis, rather than assuming that every delivered cubic metre becomes a payable finished cubic metre.

### Vessel downtime and working restrictions

#### The Challenge

Tides, navigation movements and environmental limits can constrain production. A contractor may claim standby when a vessel is available but the permitted work area or operating conditions are not.

#### Our approach

We classify downtime by its recorded cause and the contract provision, removing overlap between standby, reduced-production and prolongation costs.