A trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD) is a self-propelled dredger that loads sand or silt into its own hopper while sailing, and delivers it by bottom dumping, pumping ashore or rainbowing. Boogaard Brokers has brokered and valued hopper dredgers since 1923. Our current TSHDs for sale range from around 975 m³ to 8,600 m³ hopper capacity, from compact maintenance dredgers to aggregate, split-hull and large-capacity hopper dredgers.
| Built/yard | 2026/China |
| Classification | ★ CSA Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger; Dredging Within R2; PSPC(B); Ice Class B |
| Dimensions | (loa 118.38 m) 110.20 x 22.00 x 9.60 m |
| Hopper capacity | 8,600 m3 |
| Dredging depth | 30.00 m. |
| Dredge pump(s) | make IHC 1,450 kW |
| Built/yard | 1982, Germany/1998 lengthened and converted to coaster, 2003 converted to aggregate dredger |
| Classification | DNV GL 1 A 1 Dredger E0 |
| Dimensions | 85.00 x 12.00 x 6.80 m. Loa 89.97 m |
| Hopper capacity | 1,800 m3, approx. 2,630 tons |
| Trailing pipe(s) | 1, diam. 600 mm |
| Dredging depth | max. 30.00 m |
| Dredge pump(s) | 776 kW |
| Built/yard | 1986 |
| Classification | Bureau Veritas, I ✠, Hull ✠ Mach, Dredger Coastal Water, ✠ AUT-UMS, ✠ MON SHAFT, ✠ MACH, valid until November 2026 |
| Dimensions | 99.00 x 17.35 x 7.90 m |
| Hopper capacity | approx. 2,800 m3 / 6,300 tons |
| Trailing pipe | diam. 700 mm |
| Dredging depth | 45.00 m |
| Dredge pump | submersible pump in trailing pipe, make. IHC, 1,100 kW |
Above you will find our current trailing suction hopper dredgers for sale. Each listing shows the key figures a buyer needs first: hopper capacity in m³, deadweight, maximum dredging depth, number of suction pipes and the discharge options (bottom doors, split hull, pump ashore or rainbow). For the full specification, general arrangement drawing, class status and inspection options, contact us.
Looking for a size or type that is not listed? A large part of the hopper dredgers we sell never appears online. Tell us your required capacity, dredging depth and working area, and we will approach owners in our network.
Hopper capacity is the first filter for most buyers:
Besides capacity, look at dredging depth (the length of the suction pipe), the number of pipes, whether the vessel can pump ashore and rainbow, and its sailing speed, which determines the cycle time between the dredging site and the discharge area.
Prices of used hopper dredgers vary widely, because a TSHD is a complete ship as well as a dredger. The main factors are:
Boogaard Brokers is also a recognised independent valuer of dredging vessels for contractors, banks and insurers. For a realistic market price of a specific vessel, contact us or read more about our valuation services.
A TSHD lowers one or two suction pipes to the seabed and sails slowly forward. The draghead at the end of each pipe loosens the material, which the dredge pumps lift into the hopper. Overflow lets excess water out so the hopper fills with a dense mixture. Once loaded, the dredger sails to the discharge area and unloads by:
Because a hopper dredger is self-propelled and stores its own load, it does not need floating pipelines or booster stations while dredging, and it can work in open water and busy shipping channels where a stationary cutter suction dredger cannot.
As S&P brokers we guide the whole purchase process: shortlisting suitable hopper dredgers, arranging inspections and sea trials, negotiating price and terms, drafting the Memorandum of Agreement and managing delivery and transfer of ownership. Buyers and sellers around the world rely on:
Also see our split hopper barges, cutter suction dredgers and backhoe dredgers, or list your own hopper dredger for sale.
A TSHD sails while dredging, stores the material in its own hopper and unloads it elsewhere. A cutter suction dredger works from a fixed position and pumps the material directly through a pipeline. TSHDs are the choice for soft material, open water and long transport distances; CSDs for hard soil and reclamation close to the dredging area.
A hopper dredger loads itself with its own suction pipes and pumps. A split hopper barge has no dredging installation and is loaded by another dredger or excavator; it only transports and dumps the material.
Yes. A trailing suction hopper dredger is a seagoing, self-propelled vessel and normally sails to the buyer on her own keel. We arrange the delivery, flag change and documentation as part of the sale.
Yes. If you want to sell your TSHD, list your vessel with us and we will present it to buyers worldwide. We also provide independent valuations of hopper dredgers for owners, banks and insurers.
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