Rock-dumping vessels

Side-discharging by means of crane is usually done in shallow waters, while fall pipes are more commonly used in deep-water rock-dumping operations.

The most common need for rock dumpers is to provide protection to previously laid pipelines in areas where they may be damaged by fishing gear.

There are a number of protection methods for such pipelines, including the placement of concrete mattresses, but for areas where a long distance of pipeline has to be protected, a rock-dumping operation may be most cost efficient.

The Belgian dredging companies Jan De Nul and DEME Offshore are two global providers of rock-dumping operations.

[6][7][8] From the Netherlands Van Oord and Boskalis are also worldwide operators of dump vessels.