Army Corps of Engineers districts revitalize Ocean City inlet

Published Oct. 1, 2021

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District’s, Hopper Dredge MURDEN pumps slurry prior to beach replenishment efforts during 24/7 dredge operations in an inlet near Ocean City, Md., Sept. 20, 2021.  Ocean City beaches are routinely replenished every four years with periodic emergency projects as needed following storms and other natural events. Beach replenishment in the area has prevented nearly $920 million in damages since its completion in the 1990s. (U.S. Army photo by Greg Nash)

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District’s, Hopper Dredge MURDEN pumps slurry prior to beach replenishment efforts during 24/7 dredge operations in an inlet near Ocean City, Md., Sept. 20, 2021. Ocean City beaches are routinely replenished every four years with periodic emergency projects as needed following storms and other natural events. Beach replenishment in the area has prevented nearly $920 million in damages since its completion in the 1990s. (U.S. Army photo by Greg Nash)

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District’s, Hopper Dredge MURDEN conducted 24/7 dredging operations at an inlet near Ocean City, Maryland, during September 2021. The ongoing Ocean City Inlet federal navigation channel and Assateague Bypass dredging efforts enhance safe navigation conditions, boost commercial endeavors, and promote recreational activities for travelers. 

The USACE Baltimore District routinely receives services from the Wilmington District’s MURDEN or its sister ship CURRITUCK for routine dredging in and around the Inlet. The Baltimore District manages the Ocean City Inlet federal navigation channel and Assateague Bypass project while the Wilmington District staffs, trains and equips these special-purpose dredges that work up and down the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, dredging similar inlets or near-shore coast projects.