BMT will share development of its next-generation AI enabled tools for dredging decision intelligence at the 24th World Dredging Congress & Exhibition (WODCON XXIV), hosted by the Western Dredging Association (WEDA) at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel, San Diego, California, June 23-27, 2025. This year’s event, themed “Dredging Towards a More Resilient Future,” brings together global leaders in dredging, navigation and marine engineering.

A new era: Dredging decision intelligence

Dredging decisions can be high stakes for those responsible for maintaining channel depth. Current channel siltation forecasting methods have limits in high traffic, complex coastal areas and estuaries, and many decision makers are left with minimal trusted data to plan. BMT has combined its deep domain knowledge in dredging, modelling, and data services to solve this problem using advanced Machine Learning models, which are fed with quality assured data from the natural and anthropogenic forcing conditions of sediment transport in the channel system. The new AI driven forecasting tools seek to continuously improve forecasting accuracy, strategically enabling channel infrastructure decision makers to plan maintenance dredging cycles. This cutting-edge functionality is purpose-built to address the most complex challenges faced by ports and waterways - enabling smarter safer, and more sustainable dredging operations.

BMT’s heritage: Decades of value and integrated solutions

BMT’s legacy spans decades of delivering innovative solutions for the maritime sector, including the industry-leading TUFLOW hydrodynamic and sediment transport modelling suite, and Deep, our flagship decision intelligence platform. Our approach centres on combining advanced digital tools with the expertise of our consultants to deliver tailored insights and real value for our customers. We use our platforms and data as enablers - empowering our team to partner with customers and address their most complex challenges. Today, BMT’s integrated service model brings together environmental expertise, infrastructure design and cutting-edge data science to deliver holistic, future-proofed port solutions.

Delivering tangible returns for operators and industry

“At BMT, we’re proud to work alongside leading ports and operators to co-develop solutions that truly address their operational realities. We’re excited to bring this innovation to WODCON XXIV and demonstrate how BMT can help US ports maximise efficiency, reduce costs and advance their resilience goals in today’s dynamic maritime environment,” said Philip White, Senior Business Development Manager, Infrastructure and Environment, BMT.

BMT’s Dredging Management Data Services are designed to optimise port OPEX, maximise channel availability and reduce environmental impact. The solution leverages advanced machine learning models that incorporate vessel traffic and auxiliary measurements to enable precise sediment transport predictions, even in complex coastal environments. This sophisticated approach to channel siltation forecasting represents a significant advancement in port management technology.

Strategic slignment with WODCON XXIV: “Dredging Towards a More Resilient Future”

Meeting with industry stakeholders and sharing our latest developments at WODCON XXIV is a strategic milestone, aligning with the event’s focus on resilience and innovation in dredging. As a presenter at the exhibition, BMT will showcase new channel data management and modelling tools presented in its supporting whitepaper, highlighting how adaptive, data-driven approaches can be leveraged to build a more resilient and sustainable future for the global dredging community.

“We are delivering the next leap in predictive dredging management - empowering our customers to operate more efficiently, sustainably and safely. We look forward to connecting with industry leaders at WODCON XXIV to share our vision and discuss smarter dredging solutions,” said Andrew Aldrich, Strategic Account Director, BMT.