The transitional period since the Marine Management Organisation implemented the marine licensing system on 6 April 2011 is almost at an end, and from 6th April 2012 ALL dredging activity will require a marine license.

The MMO site provides full details on the process and licensing. The highlights are below:

“Dredging (including aggregate dredging)

Dredging was not a licensable activity before the start of the marine licensing system on 6 April 2011. Accordingly, there is a transitional period of one year from the start date during which a dredging operation will not require a marine licence, provided the dredging operation:

would not have fallen within section 34 of the Coast Protection Act 1949

would not have required a licence under Part 2 of the Food and Environment Protection Act 1984

is not excluded from this exemption by an order made by the Secretary of State.

At the end of the transitional period, a marine licence will be required for any dredging. The carrying out of any form of dredging, whether or not involving the removal of material, requires a marine licence.

Dredging is a broad term and includes the use of any device to move any material from one part of the sea or sea bed to another part. This includes dredging for any purpose, for example, creating new channels or berths, maintaining existing channels or aggregate dredging for commercial supply. This also includes all types of dredging, for example, suction dredging, water injection dredging or sea bed levelling.”

The Land & Water Group with its in-depth understanding and experience of dredging activities is able to offer its clients help and advice to navigate the regulations and obtain the right license quickly and efficiently. 

If you are planning navigational, maintenance or any other form of dredging please contact Land & Water for more information on how Land & Water can assist with licensing, planning and dredging operations: Please contact  Jayne Hornsby on 0844 875 1260.