Introduction
A critical maintenance effort is set to begin this May as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Buffalo District, launches its annual dredging project at Cleveland Harbor. Scheduled to start on May 1, 2025, the project will remove approximately 180,000 cubic yards of sediment from the lower Cuyahoga River. The goal is to maintain safe navigational depths and support the continued flow of goods through the Great Lakes shipping network.
Project Scope and Schedule
The 2025 Cleveland Harbor dredging project targets the federal navigation channel along the lower stretch of the Cuyahoga River. According to USACE, the operation will begin on May 1 and is expected to wrap up by mid-November. Throughout the project, contractors will work to remove sediment build-up that could otherwise obstruct shipping lanes and reduce the port’s efficiency.
Roughly 180,000 cubic yards of material will be excavated and transported to a confined disposal facility. This process ensures not only the restoration of channel depth but also the proper handling of dredged material.
Key Players and Funding
This year’s dredging work is backed by a $9 million contract awarded to New York-based DMYLES, Inc., a company with a solid track record in marine construction and dredging. The project is managed by the USACE Buffalo District, which oversees navigation infrastructure and environmental restoration across the Great Lakes region.
Federal funding is crucial to sustaining ongoing maintenance at Cleveland Harbor, one of the busiest ports on Lake Erie. The allocation reflects continued support for critical infrastructure that impacts both regional economies and national trade routes.
Environmental and Operational Considerations
Sediments removed from the Cuyahoga River will be deposited in a confined disposal facility, ensuring environmentally responsible containment. These facilities are designed to prevent dredged material—especially if mildly contaminated—from re-entering the aquatic ecosystem.
The dredging process follows rigorous environmental standards, with oversight from federal and state agencies to ensure protection of aquatic habitats, water quality, and the surrounding community.
Economic and Regional Significance
Dredging projects like the one at Cleveland Harbor are essential to maintaining the integrity of the Great Lakes navigation system. This harbor, serving as a major freight terminal, supports industries ranging from steel manufacturing and construction to agriculture and international trade.
Keeping the channel clear directly impacts the region’s economic competitiveness by allowing large cargo vessels to move freely. Without such efforts, sediment build-up would eventually restrict access, increasing shipping costs and reducing the efficiency of the port.
History of Dredging at Cleveland Harbor
The dredging of Cleveland Harbor is conducted annually, based on sedimentation rates and funding availability. In 2024, USACE removed approximately 250,000 cubic yards of material—significantly more than planned for 2025. This ongoing commitment highlights the importance of regular dredging to maintain navigability and protect public investment in port infrastructure.
Each year’s project is evaluated and adjusted depending on changing river conditions, vessel traffic, and environmental requirements.
Conclusion
The 2025 Cleveland Harbor dredging project is another vital step in safeguarding the efficiency and reliability of one of Ohio’s most important waterways. By clearing 180,000 cubic yards of sediment and restoring proper depth to the navigation channel, the initiative supports safe vessel passage, boosts economic throughput, and strengthens the infrastructure that connects the Great Lakes to global markets.
With the USACE, federal funding, and industry partners working in concert, Cleveland Harbor remains a cornerstone of maritime commerce—and this dredging project ensures it stays that way.