cutter suction dredge

Also known as: suction cutter dredge

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 25, 2026

Quick Summary

A cutter suction dredge is a type of hydraulic dredge that uses a rotating cutter head to loosen material, which is then pumped through a suction pipe. This process is employed for underwater excavation to maintain or deepen waterways, create new land, construct control works, or recover valuable deposits.1

Unlike other dredges that might use buckets or grabs, a suction dredge, including the cutter suction variety, relies on a centrifugal pump to draw up a mixture of solids and water. This method is particularly effective for removing silt and sand. The material is then transported via barges or pipelines to its destination.123

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

harbours and sea works
Dredging
…the use of the suction-cutter dredge, which incorporates at the suction head a powerful rotating screw cutter that fragments the hard material. The increased dredging stresses arising from the use of a cutter require that a craft so equipped should be operated as a stationary dredge with moorings. Because…
Read More
…the use of the suction-cutter dredge, which incorporates at the suction head a powerful rotating screw cutter that fragments the hard material. The increased dredging stresses arising from the use of a cutter require that a craft so equipped should be operated as a stationary dredge with moorings. Because…
Read More

mining
Dredging
The cutter suction dredge has a rotary cutting head or other excavating tool for loosening and mixing soil at the face of the mine. The material falls downward to the mouth of a centrifugal pump, and this transports the slurry (containing 20 to 25 percent solids)…
Read More
The cutter suction dredge has a rotary cutting head or other excavating tool for loosening and mixing soil at the face of the mine. The material falls downward to the mouth of a centrifugal pump, and this transports the slurry (containing 20 to 25 percent solids)…
Read More