Dredging Projects
6.3Mm³+
Countries Reached
23 Countries
40+
Years Coastal Expertise
INDEPENDENT & ACCREDITED
CPENG Chartered Engineers
RPEQ Registered
1,200+ Coastal Projects Globally
Your Independent Dredging Engineering Consultants
ICM provides genuinely independent advice, helping clients identify the best approach for their project, procure the right contractor, and deliver the works efficiently, with a clear focus on reducing risk and controlling total project cost.
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Since 1989, ICM has provided coastal engineering consultancy services across Australia and internationally, from routine harbour maintenance to complex capital works and innovative beach nourishment programs. Our engineers have supported dredging projects totalling over 6.3 million cubic metres, giving clients confidence in methodology selection, cost planning, and project delivery.
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We can support projects at any stage, from feasibility and planning, through to detailed design, statutory approvals, contractor procurement, on-site supervision, and post-construction monitoring and auditing.
6.3Mm³+
Total volume
Dredging projects support across Australia and internationally since 1996
States & regions covered
QLD · NSW · VIC · WA · NT · TAS · ACT + UAE · Qatar · Bahrain · India · NZ · Taiwan · USA
2026
Active projects include Tweed River Entrance & Sanctuary Cove
"The right dredging advice can save far more than it costs."
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Our experience across hopper, cutter suction, backhoe and other dredging systems allows us to look beyond day one cost and focus on whole-of-project value. By identifying risks early, estimating realistically, and optimising the delivery approach, we help clients minimise total cost and avoid project blow outs down the line.
Dredging Consulting Services
FULL LIFECYCLE SUPPORT
From initial feasibility through to post-construction audit, ICM can support your dredging project at any stage.
Feasibility & Investigations
Site-specific assessments to establish whether dredging is viable, what volumes are involved, and what constraints apply.​​
Hydrographic survey and bathymetric analysis
Sediment testing and materials suitability
Underwater and structural condition assessment
Sand source identification and assessment
GIS data management and mapping
Dredging Engineering Design
Detailed engineering design for all types of coastal and marine dredging - from concept through to construction documentation.
Concept and detailed engineering design
Volume calculations and quantity estimates
Methodology assessment and equipment selection
Disposal options assessment (beneficial re-use)
Coastal processes and impact assessment
Numerical modelling
Statutory Approvals
Managing the full approvals pathway for dredging in Australian waters, including environmental assessment and stakeholder consultation.
EPBC and state coastal act applications
Environmental Impact Assessments
Dredge Management Plans (DMP)
Water quality and noise monitoring programs
Stakeholder consultation management
Code Assessment and Impact Assessment
Contractor Procurement
Tender management and contractor selection - securing the best dredging operator or fleet for your project.
Technical specifications and contract documentation
Tender assessment and contractor evaluation
Site-specific dredge management plans
Independent contractor recommendation
Project & Contract Management
On-site and remote support to ensure dredging contracts are delivered on time, on spec, and within environmental limits.
Contract management and administration
On-board monitoring and QA systems
Program tracking and progress reporting
Risk assessment and management
Compliance monitoring
Post-Construction Monitoring
Independent verification that the completed dredging has achieved design outcomes and met all regulatory conditions.
Post-dredge hydrographic survey and analysis
Performance assessment against design targets
Environmental compliance auditing
Regulatory reporting and certification
Long-term monitoring program design
A Dredging Project From Start to Finish
HOW WE WORK
ICM can enter at any stage, or support the full lifecycle from initial feasibility to post-construction sign-off.
01
Feasibility & Site Assessment
Surveys, sediment testing, constraints mapping, and volume estimation.
02
Engineering Design
Detailed design, methodology assessment, drawings, and cost estimation.
03
Statutory Approvals
Environmental assessments, DMP preparation, and regulatory liaison.
04
Procurement & Delivery
Tender management, contractor selection, and on-site supervision.
05
Monitoring & Audit
Post-construction surveys, compliance reporting, and long-term monitoring.
Types of Dredging We Advise On
PROJECT TYPES
ICM's dredging consultancy covers the full spectrum of coastal and marine dredging in Australia.
Maintenance & Capital Dredging
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River entrance maintenance dredging
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Navigation channel establishment
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Navigation channel widening & deepening
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Harbour dredging
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Marina dredging
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Seaway entrance dredging
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Mooring area maintenance
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Boat ramp access dredging
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Submarine pipeline trenching & backfilling
Beach Nourishment & Sand Management
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Nearshore nourishment design & management
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Beach nourishment programs
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Sand source assessment & investigation
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Mass nourishment strategy
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Offshore sand sourcing
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Sand bypass systems
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Coastal erosion management nourishment
Disposal & Beneficial Re-Use
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Offshore disposal assessment & management
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Reclamation design
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Dewatering bunds & containment systems
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Sand-filled geotextile construction
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Nearshore placement for nourishment
Dredging Equipment Expertise
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Trailing Suction Hopper Dredgers (TSHD)
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Cutter Suction Dredgers (CSD)
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Barge-mounted excavators
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Suction dredgers and jet pumps
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Slurry pumps and pipeline systems
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Bottom dump and split hull vessels
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Rainbow and pump-ashore methods
Dredging Approvals & Compliance
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EPBC Act referrals and assessments
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QLD Coastal Management Act approvals
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NSW Coastal Management Act approvals
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Dredge Management Plans (DMP)
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Environmental Management Plans
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Sea Dumping Act exemptions
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Water quality and noise monitoring
Specialist & Advisory Services
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Independent expert witness for dredging disputes
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Dredging tender review and assessment
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Constructability and methodology review
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Cost estimation and benchmarking
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On-board QA and compliance monitoring
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International dredging advisory
What Sets ICM's Dredging Consultancy Apart
WHY ICM
There are many dredging operators globally. ICM is something different: independent engineering to help you secure the best outcome.
Genuine Advice
Our recommendations are based solely on what is technically and commercially best for your project - not what fills a fleet.
Full Lifecycle Capability
ICM can support you from initial feasibility through to post-construction monitoring - or plug in at the stage where you need help most.
Deep Approvals Expertise
Navigating dredging approvals is complex. ICM's team has managed approvals under EPBC, state coastal management acts, and local planning frameworks - and understands what regulators need.
Innovative & Research-Led
ICM engineers are Adjunct Research Fellows at Griffith University and have authored over 65 technical papers. We bring the latest research directly into project delivery.
Proven Track Record Across Australia
ICM has supervised dredging, including recurring commissions from the same clients - a reliable indicator of the quality of our work and advice.
International Experience Brought Home
ICM has delivered dredging consultancy in the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, India, New Zealand, Taiwan, and the United States - bringing global best practice back to every project.
TRACK RECORD
Selected Dredging Projects
A sample of the dredging projects ICM has planned, designed, procured and supervised since 1989 - spanning maintenance dredging, capital works, beach nourishment, and sand management across Australia and internationally.
Year | Dredging Project | Equipment | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
2023 | Redlands Coast Marina, Moreton Bay | Concept Design
Excavation in Dry | Australia |
2022 | Cabbage Tree Creek, Scarborough Boat Harbour & Wellington Point with offshore disposal | TSHD
Barge-mounted excavator | Australia |
2022 | Coochiemudlo Island nourishment | Sand Source Assessment
Advice | Australia |
2022 | Great Keppel Island scraping and nourishment | Design & Approvals | Australia |
2022 | Noosa River dredging and beach nourishment | Design & Approvals | Australia |
2022 | Gold Coast City Marina | CSD | Australia |
2022 | Coochiemudlo Island nourishment | Sand Source Assessment
Advice | Australia |
2022 | Gold Coast City Marina | CSD | Australia |
2022 | Noosa River dredging and beach nourishment | Design & Approvals | Australia |
2022 | Cabbage Tree Creek, Scarborough Boat Harbour & Wellington Point with offshore disposal | TSHD
Barge-mounted excavator | Australia |
2022 | Great Keppel Island scraping and nourishment | Design & Approvals | Australia |
2021 | Noosa Sand Sourcing Study for Mass Nourishment Strategy | Sand Source Assessment | Australia |
2021 | Dauan Island Dredging associated with pontoon | Advice | Australia |
2021 | Noosa Sand Sourcing Study for Mass Nourishment Strategy | Sand Source Assessment | Australia |
2021 | North Channel and South Channel in Gold Coast Broadwater with placement as nearshore nourishment on open ocean beaches. | TSHD | Australia |
Frequently Asked Questions About Dredging Consulting
COMMON QUESTIONS
What is the difference between a dredging contractor and a dredging consultant?
A dredging consultant - like ICM - is an independent engineer hired by the project owner to plan, design, obtain approvals for, procure, and supervise dredging works. Because ICM has no equipment to sell, our advice is unbiased and focused entirely on what is best for your project.
Does ICM operate across all of Australia?
Yes. ICM is based on the Gold Coast in Queensland and has delivered dredging consultancy services in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Tasmania. We also have significant international experience in the Middle East, New Zealand, Asia, and the United States.
What approvals are needed for dredging in Australia?
Dredging approvals in Australia typically involve state-level coastal management or marine park approvals, and may also require federal assessment under the EPBC Act if matters of national environmental significance are involved. For offshore disposal, a Sea Dumping Act permit may be needed. ICM manages this entire process and has extensive experience with regulators at both state and federal levels.
What is a Dredge Management Plan (DMP)?
A Dredge Management Plan (DMP) is a regulatory document that outlines how dredging will be conducted to meet environmental approval conditions. It typically covers dredging methodology, equipment, water quality monitoring triggers and responses, turbidity management, protected species protocols, and reporting requirements. ICM prepares DMPs for all types of dredging projects in Australian waters.
Can ICM advise on beach nourishment as part of dredging projects?
Absolutely - beach nourishment is one of ICM's strongest areas of expertise. Many dredging projects in Australia involve placing dredged sand onto beaches or in the nearshore zone as a beneficial use. ICM has designed and managed beach nourishment programs for projects including the Gold Coast, Cronulla, Noosa, Ettalong, and Coffs Harbour.
How much dredging experience does ICM have?
ICM has been involved in dredging projects since 1989, with our founder, Angus Jackson pioneering new techniques such as nearshore nourishment. Our team has been involved with over 6 million cubic metres of dredging, managed coastal projects in 23 countries, and authored more than 65 technical papers on coastal engineering. Our dredging projects range from small marina maintenance to major capital dredging programs of several hundred thousand cubic metres.
Recent Dredging Projects
Discover some of ICM's key dredging projects. From today closures to nearshore nourishment, our specialist team delivers practical, proven solutions with precision.
