Ellicott Dredges

What Ellicott Dredges does

Ellicott Dredges, LLC, headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, designs and manufactures portable cutter suction dredges and related dredging equipment for sale to government agencies, port authorities, large marine contractors, mining and aggregate operators, and environmental remediation firms worldwide. Founded in 1885 (with the first Ellicott-brand dredge launched in 1890), the company operates a vertically integrated production model in which all major proprietary components — including Ellicott dredge pumps, cutterhead assemblies, and modular knockdown hulls — are designed and built in-house, allowing configurations from 10-inch portable units through 36-inch custom vessels with dredging depths up to 100 feet.

The company's product portfolio spans the Dragon® Series of cutter suction dredges (Series 370M through 2070), Swinging Dragon® swinging ladder dredges (Series 360SLM, 460SLM, 860SL), the Wheel Dragon™ bucketwheel line for mining, Coastal Dragon® dredges for semi-exposed waters, Electric Dredges for zero-emission operation, Large Custom Dredges, and Dredge Booster Pump stations. Ellicott holds over 20 international patents and operates an installed base in more than 100 countries, with equipment lifecycles frequently exceeding 50 years. Affiliated brands under Ellicott Dredge Enterprises include Mud Cat (auger dredges), IMS Dredges (self-propelled hydraulic auger dredges), and GeoPool (dewatering technology).

Revenue is generated through capital-equipment sales on a quote-based, project-specific basis, complemented by recurring streams from genuine parts (supported by a global inventory and 24-hour response SLA) and field service, commissioning, and operator training. Go-to-market relies on direct enterprise sales engineers and active participation in industry events (WEDA, WODCON, Oil Sands Expo, ASBPA). The business is a subsidiary of Ellicott Dredge Enterprises within the Markel Ventures family of companies, itself a subsidiary of Fortune 500 Markel Group (NYSE: MKL). Ellicott is ISO 9001:2015 certified by Bureau Veritas and reported record-high sales and profitability in 2025 across all three operating brands.

Name

Ellicott Dredges

Legal name

Ellicott Dredges, LLC

Website

https://dredge.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1890

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Ellicott Dredges, LLC is a Baltimore-based manufacturer of portable cutter suction dredging equipment serving governments, port authorities, marine contractors, mining operators, and environmental remediation firms in over 100 countries with a vertically integrated, in-house engineered product line.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Dredging Equipment Manufacturing

NAICS

Construction and Mining (except Oil Well) Machinery and Equipment Merchant Wholesalers (423810), Measuring, Dispensing, and Other Pumping Equipment Manufacturing (333914)

SIC

Construction Machinery & Equip (3531), Mining Machinery & Equip (No Oil & Gas Field Mach & Equip) (3532)

akta.pro primary industry

Dredging Support & Utility Workboats (Dredge Tenders, Barges, Utility Boats) (IMAJADAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Dredging & Channel Deepening (Capital & Maintenance) (IMAFAJAB), Marine MRO Parts & Consumables Distribution (TLAKAOAJ)

Keywords

• Cutter suction dredges
• Dredging equipment manufacturing
• Marine excavation machinery
• Port maintenance equipment
• Custom dredge engineering

Headquarters

HQ city

Baltimore

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Dredge Equipment Manufacturing: Ellicott generates primary revenue from manufacturing and selling cutter suction dredges, ranging from compact 10-inch portable units to massive 36-inch custom vessels. Standard models include Dragon® series (370M through 2070) with various configurations for different applications.
2. Genuine Parts & Components: Revenue from selling factory-manufactured precision-engineered components and replacement parts to maintain Ellicott dredges globally, supported by massive global inventory and rapid worldwide delivery.
3. Field Service & After-Sales Support: Revenue generated from commissioning, assembly, operational supervision, efficiency optimization, troubleshooting, diagnostics, and operator training services provided by qualified field technicians.
4. Booster Pump Stations: Modular booster pump stations in various sizes (10-inch to 18-inch discharge) designed to extend pumping distance and elevation for dredging operations.
5. Custom Dredge Engineering: Revenue from specially engineered custom-built dredges including Large Custom Dredges (24-36 inch discharge), Wheel Dragon bucketwheel dredges, Coastal Dragon dredges, and Electric dredges configured to exact specifications.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Ellicott Dredges designs, manufactures, and sells a comprehensive portfolio of portable dredging equipment including cutter suction dredges (Dragon Series 10-20 inch), swinging ladder dredges, custom specialty dredges (bucketwheel, coastal, electric, large custom), and modular dredge booster pumps. The company also provides genuine factory replacement parts, field service, and operator training to support customers globally across navigational, mining, reclamation, and environmental remediation applications.

Product overview

Ellicott Dredges is the world's leading manufacturer of portable cutter suction dredges, offering a comprehensive portfolio of Dragon Series cutter suction dredges (10-inch to 20-inch models including 370M, 670M, 870JD, 1270, 1870, and 2070), Swinging Dragon swinging ladder dredges (360SLM, 460SLM, 860SL), custom specialty dredges (Wheel Dragon bucketwheel, Coastal Dragon, Electric Dredges, Large Custom Dredges), and Dredge Booster Pumps (10", 14", 18"). The company also provides parts, service, and operator training through its integrated manufacturing and support operations. Ellicott serves global markets through multiple brands including its own Ellicott line, Mud Cat (auger dredges), IMS Dredges (self-propelled auger dredges), and GeoPool (dewatering technology). Applications span navigational/coastal protection, construction/reclamation, sand and gravel mining, and environmental remediation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Dragon Series: Product line of cutter suction dredges including Series 370M Dragon, Series 670M Dragon, Series 870JD Jet Dragon, Series 1270 Dragon, Series 1870 Dragon, and Series 2070 Dragon
• Swinging Dragon
• Wheel Dragon
• Coastal Dragon
• Electric Dredges

Products and services

• Series 370M Dragon Dredge Reliable 10-inch (300mm) portable cutter suction dredge with Caterpillar C.9.3 engine (416 HP), ideal for marinas, canals, and sand mining. Maximum dredging depths of 20 to 50 feet depending on model configuration.
• Series 670M Dragon Dredge Stable 14-inch (350mm) portable cutter suction dredge with Caterpillar C-18 engine (715 HP), designed for ports, harbors, and restoration projects. Features heavy-duty sponsons for semi-protected waters.
• Series 870JD Jet Dragon Dredge Deep-digging 14-inch portable cutter suction dredge with jet pump suction assist system, reaching depths up to 60 feet (18.2 meters). Features dual-engine configuration with Caterpillar C-18 (715 HP) and C-13 (385 HP) engines. Optional GPS DREDGEPACK navigation system available.
• Series 1270 Dragon Dredge Versatile 18-inch (450mm) cutter suction dredge with dual-engine configuration (Caterpillar C-32B Tier 4 Industrial 1,000 HP and C-9.3 Tier 3 Marine 375 HP). Ideal for coastal and beach restoration with maximum dredging depth of 50 feet.
• Series 1870 Dragon Dredge Powerful 20-inch (500mm) high-capacity cutter suction dredge with Caterpillar C-32B Tier 4 Marine (1,450 HP) and C18 Tier 3 Marine (715 HP) engines. Designed for large ports and land reclamation with heavy-duty excavation power for compacted clay and rock-like formations.
• Series 2070 Dragon Dredge Modern 20-inch (500mm) cutter suction dredge with Marine C-32 (1,300 HP) and Caterpillar C-15 (440 HP) engines. First standard portable dredge meeting Bureau Veritas Rules for Sheltered Waters certification, ideal for coastal projects and reclamation.
• Series 360SLM Swinging Dragon Dredge Compact swinging ladder dredge with 8-inch (200mm) suction/discharge and John Deere 9.0L Marine Engine (375 HP). Designed for confined waterways, marinas, and small canals with maximum dredging depth of 15 feet. Operates without swing cables or anchors.
• Series 460SLM Swinging Dragon Dredge Powerful swinging ladder dredge with 12-inch (300mm) suction/discharge and Caterpillar C-18 Marine (600 HP) or John Deere 9.0L (375 HP) engines. Designed for canal restoration and wetland remediation with positive spud travel system.
• Series 860SL Swinging Dragon Dredge Hybrid 14-inch (350mm) dredge combining swinging ladder and conventional cutter suction modes. Features Caterpillar C-32 engine (800 HP) with maximum dredging depth of 30 feet. Dual-mode capability allows switching between narrow canal work and wide lake dredging.
• Dredge Booster Pumps Modular booster pump stations available in 10, 14, and 18-inch discharge sizes. Designed to extend pumping distance by maintaining slurry velocity and pressure over long pipelines or changing elevations.
• Wheel Dragon Bucketwheel Dredges Custom dredges featuring dual-wheel excavator system for superior mineral recovery. Designed for mining industry applications including rutile, ilmenite, gold, salt, and trona extraction. Provides consistent slurry feed and exceptional cutting force for hard-packed materials.
• Coastal Dragon Dredges Modified cutter suction vessels designed for semi-exposed coastal environments with active waves and swells. Features increased freeboard, reinforced structural connections, and optional tilting spud system for bridge navigation.
• Electric Dredges Sustainable vessels replacing diesel engines with high-efficiency electric motors for zero-emission operation. Available for all dredge sizes, ideal for environmentally sensitive zones, urban projects, and long-term stationary mining operations.
• Large Custom Dredges Massive custom-engineered vessels with 24 to 36-inch (600-900mm) discharge sizes for extreme production requirements. Feature digging depths up to 100 feet (30 meters) with advanced automation options for major land reclamation and mining operations.
• Dredge Parts Genuine factory-manufactured replacement parts with in-house quality assurance. Maintains massive global inventory of precision-engineered components including dredge pumps and cutterhead assemblies for rapid worldwide delivery.
• Dredge Service and Operator Training Field service capabilities including commissioning, assembly, operational supervision, efficiency optimization, and troubleshooting. Also provides dredge operator training programs for equipment familiarization and maintenance procedures.

Quantifiable outcome

• Dredges operating in over 100 countries worldwide
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Western Dredging Association (WEDA)coreOthersEllicott is an active member of WEDA, a non-profit technical professional organization devoted to exchange of knowledge in dredging, navigation, marine engineering, and construction. Ellicott participates in annual WEDA summits and contributes to industry dialogue on sustainable dredging practices and safety standards.
• National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA)minorOthersEllicott maintains membership in NSSGA through Ellicott Dredge Enterprises, supporting the aggregates industry and promoting dredging solutions for sand and gravel mining operations.
• Bureau VeritascoreTechnology or IntegrationBureau Veritas has certified Ellicott Dredge Enterprises' quality management operations in Baltimore & Wisconsin as ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System compliant. Bureau Veritas also provides classification services, with the Series 2070 Dragon meeting Bureau Veritas Rules for Sheltered Waters operations.
• Mud CatcoreOthersMud Cat is an affiliated brand of Ellicott Dredges, the world's leading supplier of manned diesel auger dredges, unmanned electric remote-controlled auger dredges, and automated dredges for water, wastewater, industrial, and environmental industries. Mud Cat started in 1971 and patented the auger dredge.
• IMS DredgescoreOthersIMS Dredges is an affiliated brand of Ellicott Dredges, the world's leading supplier of one-truck transportable, self-propelled hydraulic auger dredges for river, lake, canal, and inland waterway maintenance sectors. IMS started in 1986 and patented the Starwheel Drive self-propulsion system.
• GeoPoolminorOthersGeoPool is an affiliated technology of Ellicott Dredges, providing a cost-effective, reusable, and scalable dewatering solution constructed of modular steel frames with special geofabric material and patented Dump Door technology for efficient dewatering.
• U.S. Army Corps of EngineerscoreOthersThe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages the largest span of water infrastructure in the United States with approximately 37,000 dedicated civilians and soldiers. The Corps has purchased Ellicott Dragon Dredges for use in the United States and abroad.
• International Trade Administration (ITA)minorOthersThe ITA is a U.S. Department of Commerce agency that strengthens U.S. industry competitiveness, promotes trade and investment, and helps U.S. businesses export goods and services. Ellicott works with ITA for international trade support.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Royal IHC: Royal IHC (Netherlands) is the world's largest dredging and offshore equipment manufacturer, building cutter suction dredges, trailing suction hopper dredges, and specialized vessels for ports, mining and coastal protection. Directly competes with Ellicott across government, contractor, and mining segments globally, especially in capital dredging where both supply large custom vessels.
• Damen Dredging Equipment: Damen (Netherlands) produces cutter suction dredges, trailing suction hopper dredges, and dredging components through its Dredging Equipment division. Overlaps significantly with Ellicott's Dragon and booster pump lines and serves similar port, contractor, and mining customers across global markets.
• EDDY Pump Corporation: EDDY Pump is a US-based manufacturer of dredge pumps and small-to-mid-size dredging equipment, with comparable slurry pump technology for mining and remediation applications. Competes with Ellicott on portable cutter suction dredges and pump-centric solutions, particularly for environmental and mining customers in North America.
• Piranha Pump & Dredge: Piranha Pump & Dredge manufactures submersible dredge pumps and small cutter suction dredges for environmental, mining, and industrial customers. Directly comparable to Ellicott's lower-horsepower Dragon and Swinging Dragon lines, targeting marina and small contractor segments.
• Dredge Yard (DY): Dredge Yard manufactures small to medium cutter suction and auger dredges for export markets, particularly in Africa, Middle East, and South-East Asia. Competes with Ellicott on cost-sensitive portable dredge tenders and parts replacement for smaller contractors.

Broad incumbents

• Vermeer Corporation: Vermeer is a large US-based industrial equipment manufacturer spanning trenchers, horizontal directional drills, and environmental equipment. Comparable as a Midwestern US industrial OEM with similar channel structure (dealer distribution, parts, service), but does not directly compete in cutter suction dredges.
• Xylem (incl. Godwin, Flygt brands): Xylem is a global water technology company providing pumps, dewatering, and dredging-adjacent solutions including the GPS DREDGEPACK software referenced in Ellicott's product integrations. Adjacent technology overlap through pumping and dewatering, but Xylem's portfolio is broader than Ellicott's focus on dredging equipment.
• Atlas Copco (Power & Flow division): Atlas Copco's Power & Flow division supplies pumps, generators, and light towers used in mining, construction, and infrastructure projects that overlap with Ellicott's customer base. Broader industrial incumbent rather than a pure dredging competitor, but competes indirectly in capital equipment for mining and infrastructure.

Others

• Caterpillar (CAT) Marine Power: Caterpillar supplies the C-9.3, C-18, C-32B, C-13, C-15 marine and industrial engines that power Ellicott's entire Dragon and Swinging Dragon product lines. A critical supplier (and a Tier 4 Final / IMO III certification anchor) rather than a direct competitor; relevant for evaluating supply-chain and emission-regulatory exposure.

Emerging players

• Sulzer (Pumps & Flow Solutions): Sulzer manufactures heavy-duty industrial pumps including slurry and dredge pumps used in mining and marine infrastructure. Adjacent to Ellicott in pump technology and overlapping in mining/aggregate customer segments, but does not currently offer integrated dredge vessels at Ellicott's scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@Dredge
• Facebookfacebook.com/EllicottDredges
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ellicott-dredges/?viewAsMember=true
• Xx.com/EllicottDredge

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Ellicott Dredges