ModDredge™ Modular Cutterhead Dredge Systems (4”–16”)
High-production. Rapid deployment. Modular design.
ModDredge is a modular dredging system designed to deliver high-solids pumping capability with minimal mobilization and setup—built around EDDY Pump non-clog technology and modular floating platforms.
- Non-permit-load modular transport (no oversized permits)
- Rapid on-water assembly and deployment
- Remote operation standard; automation-ready
- Optional RTK/GPS precision dredging for engineered projects
Models 4–16 in
Non-permit transport
Rapid assembly
Remote operation
Optional RTK/GPS
High-solids capable
Booster-ready packages
Diesel or electric power
A Modular Dredge Built for Speed, Control, and High-Solids Slurry
ModDredge combines a modular floating platform with EDDY Pump slurry technology and a controlled positioning system to deliver production dredging performance without the logistics overhead of traditional dredges.
Unlike dredges that require oversized transport and long site assembly, ModDredge ships in modular sections that comply with standard road transport limits—reducing mobilization cost, delays, and setup time.
Key Advantages
Non‑Permit Load Transportation
hips in modular sections that comply with standard road transport limits—eliminating costly oversized permits.
Rapid On‑Water Assembly
Designed for easy transport, quick launch, and direct on-water assembly. Typical setup is significantly faster than traditional dredges.
High‑Solids Pumping Technology
Built around EDDY Pump technology engineered for abrasive materials, large particles, viscous slurries, and high-solids pumping.
Remote Operation Standard
Every ModDredge can be fully remote-operated at no additional cost—improving safety and reducing staffing requirements.
How ModDredge Works
Deploy
Transport modular sections to site and assemble on water to create a stable dredging platform.
Position
Hold and traverse with controlled station-keeping using spuds and traversing winches (configuration dependent).
Dredge + Pump
Agitate and pump slurry at high solids through the discharge line. Complete packages can include booster pumps, HDPE pipe, and floats.
Remote Operation Standard
Every ModDredge can be fully remote-operated at no additional cost. Operators can control the dredge from:
- Shore
- Support vessel
- Remote control station
Remote operation improves safety while reducing staffing requirements—ideal for hazardous or remote environments.
Precision Dredging with Optional RTK/GPS
Optional RTK/GPS positioning systems allow precise dredging control for:
- Automated dredge positioning
- Accurate depth control
- Real-time project mapping
Ideal for environmental and engineered dredging projects where accuracy and documentation matter.
Liner-Safe Dredging for Engineered Ponds
Lined ponds are unforgiving. A puncture can trigger downtime, remediation, and regulatory exposure. ModDredge is designed for controlled dredging in lined environments to help reduce liner risk through precision positioning, stable station-keeping, and remote operation.
Designed to Protect Liners
Unlike cutter suction dredges that rely on aggressive mechanical cutters, ModDredge can be configured to operate without a cutter and instead incorporate an auger or liner-safe rubber wheels. This approach uses hydraulic entrainment rather than direct mechanical cutting and avoids dragging heavy steel components across lined surfaces.
Key Advantages for Lined Environments
- Non-contact pumping design helps minimize puncture/abrasion risk
- Controlled intake zone enables precise material removal near the liner
- Low suction velocity near the liner surface helps reduce uplift/deformation
- Stable positioning helps prevent unintended movement or scraping
- Remove accumulated sediment while preserving liner integrity (project dependent)
Why this matters
Liner damage can result in costly remediation, project shutdowns, regulatory exposure, and expensive repairs. ModDredge is often selected for active tailings pond maintenance, reclaim water ponds, process water canals, and lined containment facilities.
Precision Depth Control (Optional)
RTK/GPS supports accurate depth control and real-time mapping for engineered dredging.
Controlled Station‑Keeping
Hydraulic power units can drive spud positioning and traversing winches for controlled movement (configuration dependent).
Remote Operation (Standard)
Operate from shore, a support vessel, or a control station to reduce personnel exposure.
Better Dredging Economics
High-solids pumping (typically 30–70% solids by weight, application dependent) means more material moved per hour, less water pumped and rehandled, and often smaller discharge pipelines for the same production.
Modular transport and rapid assembly can reduce mobilization and demobilization costs—often cited as up to 70% lower versus traditional dredges (project dependent).
Typical operating cost reduction is often cited as 30–60% lower cost per cubic yard moved (project dependent).
Note: Always qualify economics by material type, distance, depth, and site logistics.
| Cost Driver | Conventional Dredge | ModDredge |
|---|---|---|
| Crew Size | 4–8 operators | 1–3 operators |
| Pump Wear | High | Low (non-contact design) |
| Fuel Burn | High | Lower per ton moved |
| Support Equipment | Anchor boats, winches | None required |
ModDredge Model Lineup (4”–16”)
Choose the pump size and power level that matches your production targets and material. Contact applications engineering to size the system for depth, distance, and solids.
| Model | Pump Size | Pump Power | Hydraulic Power | Length | Width | Boom Length | Approx Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ModDredge-4 | 4 in | 125 HP | 50 HP HPU | 20 ft | 16 ft | 20 ft | 7,500 lbs |
| ModDredge-6 | 6 in | 250 HP | 50 HP HPU | 20 ft | 16 ft | 20 ft | 10,000 lbs |
| ModDredge-8 | 8 in | 550 HP | 75 HP HPU | 40 ft | 16 ft | 30 ft | 20,000 lbs |
| ModDredge-10 | 10 in | 550 HP | 75 HP HPU | 40 ft | 16 ft | 30 ft | 20,500 lbs |
| ModDredge-12 | 12 in | 900 HP | 100 HP HPU | 40 ft | 16 ft | 30 ft | 27,500 lbs |
| ModDredge-16 | 16 in | 2000 HP | 150 HP HPU | 40 ft | 16 ft | 30 ft | 37,500 lbs |
Power Options
Diesel Power
Ideal for remote dredging operations where electric power isn’t available.
Electric Power
Ideal for mines, industrial plants, and environmental projects.
Hydraulic systems can drive:
- Cutterhead
- Spud positioning system
- Traversing winches
- Boom articulation
Turnkey Dredging Packages Available
ModDredge systems can be delivered as complete dredging packages, configured for your site conditions and discharge requirements.
Tell us your material type, target production, dredging depth, and discharge distance—and we’ll recommend the right system configuration.
Common Applications
Tailings ponds & reclaim water ponds
routine sediment removal and maintenance (lined or unlined).
Settling ponds & process water basins
remove accumulated solids with controlled dredging.
Ports & harbors
maintenance dredging and sediment transfer.
Canals & inland waterways
restore capacity and flow where access is limited.
Environmental remediation
engineered dredging with optional RTK/GPS documentation.
Sand mining & aggregate recovery
slurry pumping in abrasive environments.
Storm/flood response
rapid deployment where conventional dredges are slow to mobilize.
Resources
Photos
ModDredge deployments
Video
ModDredge overview
Frequently Asked Questions
What sizes are available?
ModDredge systems are available from 4-inch to 16-inch pump sizes. See the model lineup table for power and dimensions.
Is remote operation included?
Yes. Remote operation is standard and can be controlled from shore, a support vessel, or a remote control station.
Do you offer RTK/GPS for precision dredging?
Optional RTK/GPS positioning is available for automated positioning, accurate depth control, and real-time project mapping.
Is ModDredge suitable for lined ponds?
ModDredge can be configured for lined environments to help reduce liner risk through controlled intake, stable station-keeping, and precision options. Site conditions vary—contact engineering for configuration.
Diesel or electric power?
Both options are available. Diesel is common for remote/off-grid sites; electric is common for mines, industrial plants, and low-emissions requirements.
Can you supply a complete package?
Yes. Complete packages can include booster pumps, HDPE pipe, pipe floats, monitoring, positioning, and modular barge platforms.
Do you rent or sell?
ModBarge offers rent or buy options depending on project needs and availability. Request a quote to confirm timing and configuration.
Request a ModDredge Configuration + Quote
Share a few project details and we’ll recommend the right ModDredge system and modular platform configuration.
What we need:
- Material type (sand/silt/clay/tailings)
- Target production (yd³/hr or m³/hr)
- Dredging depth range
- Discharge distance and routing
- Liner type (if applicable)
- Power preference (diesel/electric)
- Location and timeline