Overview
EN ISO 8385:2018 - Ships and marine technology - Dredgers - Classification provides a single, harmonized classification framework for all types of dredgers used to loosen, raise, transport and dispose of dredged material. Endorsed by CEN as EN ISO 8385:2018, the standard replaces the 1999 edition and reorganizes the original classification into three clear tables based on engineering condition, dredger parameters, and operating method. It is intended for consistent identification, specification and comparison of dredging vessels and equipment.
Key topics
The standard classifies dredgers using measurable and operational criteria. Key technical topics include:
- Engineering condition (Area of operation & soil characteristics)
- Inland waterways, harbours/coastal, offshore and ocean-going; special environments (tropical, arctic).
- Soil types: silts, peats, sands, gravels, clays, boulders, rocks, mixed soils, fine sediments.
- Dredger parameters (Main performance parameters & power/energy)
- Performance metrics by dredger type: hopper capacity, dredging depth, installed power for trailing suction hopper, cutter suction, grab, backhoe/dipper, bucket-chain dredgers.
- Power plant and energy source categories: diesel, electric, diesel-electric, diesel-hydraulic, and inclusion of LNG and other fuels; clean energy options (solar, wind) and nuclear are also listed.
- Operating method (Soil extraction, pumps, disposal/transport)
- Methods: single bucket, grab, cutter, suction (types of pumps: centrifugal, ejector, air-lift, pneumatic, axial), draghead/forward suction head, rockbreakers, agitators, bed levellers.
- Disposal/transport: hydraulic delivery (land, floating, submersible pipelines), hopper discharge (bottom doors, split hull), shore discharging, rainbowing, conveyors, vessels and chutes.
- Other practical classifications: mobility (self‑propelled, non‑propelled), transportability (dismountable), crew quarters, equipment for movement (propellers, anchors, spuds), and operating movements.
Applications
Who uses EN ISO 8385:2018 and why:
- Naval architects & marine designers - specify dredger types and performance requirements.
- Dredging contractors & operators - select appropriate equipment for soil conditions and project scope.
- Port authorities & project owners - prepare procurement specs, tender documents and required performance classes.
- Manufacturers & equipment suppliers - classify product lines (pumps, cutter heads, hopper systems).
- Regulators & classification societies - harmonize terminology and ensure consistent classifications across regions.
Benefits include improved procurement clarity, consistent technical communication, and better matching of dredger capabilities to environmental and operational requirements.
Related standards
- ISO 8384 - Ships and marine technology - Dredgers - Vocabulary (normative reference used by ISO 8385).
Note: EN ISO 8385:2018 was adopted by CEN without modification; consult national standards bodies for the national implementation.
