Why does Yangon Harbour need regular dredging?

Yangon Harbour requires regular dredging because the Yangon River is only a minor channel. Consequently, the flow of water is insufficient to prevent the harbour from silting up due to the heavy sediment load carried by the river system.1

The Irrawaddy River delta, which feeds into the region, continuously replenishes the area with fine silt and fertile alluvium. This constant accumulation of sediment necessitates ongoing maintenance to ensure the harbour remains accessible to oceangoing vessels.12