The large ocean vessels that travel to and from Baltimore rely on more than 125 miles of shipping channels that run through the Chesapeake Bay, Patapsco River, and Baltimore Harbor.

Just as cars and trucks need safe highway systems, these vessels need channels that are maintained at a uniform depth and width. This is no small feat, as several hundred streams and rivers deliver a constant stream of fine silt into the channels every day.

For more than 100 years, dredging these channels has been vital for ensuring the safe passage of ships and continued prosperity for the Port of Baltimore. But protecting the Bay throughout the dredge management process is critical, too.

Explore the links on this page to learn more about the dredging process and the creative ways in which the Port community meets the challenges that arise.
Picture of a Tanker Ship in the Chesapeake Bay
 bullet Sediment Quality: What comes up from the bottom? Dredging removes large amounts of sediment from the bottom of shipping channels in the Bay, its rivers, and harbors. Is it contaminated? 

 bullet The Placement & Use of Dredged Material: What do we do with it? Dredged material is placed in ways that are not only safe, but often serve a useful purpose. The “beneficial use” and “innovative use” of dredged material are top priorities for the Port. These techniques have helped to restore wetlands, rebuild islands, create public beaches, and provide havens for wildlife.

 bullet Project Sites: Where does the dredged material go?  Hart-Miller Island, Poplar Island, Site 92 (Pooles Island), and Cox Creek are among the current placement sites for sediment dredged from Baltimore shipping channels.