Operation & maintenance |
Multipurpose dredging solution
VERBUND has selected the amphibious Watermaster Classic V eco-dredger to support hydropower and waterway maintenance, strengthening its ability to manage sediment and vegetation in shallow and hard-to-access locations.
sediment accumulation can reduce storage capacity and restrict flow, while excessive aquatic vegetation can limit hydraulic efficiency and increase operational risk. These issues are particularly pronounced in shallow areas, where access is limited and conventional dredging equipment is often unsuitable. The selection of the Watermaster Classic V reflects the need for equipment that can operate effectively in these challenging environments. According to Watermaster, the ability to deploy a single machine capable of handling multiple maintenance tasks was a key factor in the decision.
Multipurpose dredging solution for
hydropower applications The Watermaster Classic V is a Finnish-manufactured, amphibious, multipurpose dredger designed for environmental maintenance in water depths ranging from 0 to 6m. The Watermaster concept has been developed over more than four decades, with installations in more than 80 countries worldwide. Within VERBUND’s hydropower portfolio, the
VERBUND, AUSTRIA’S LARGEST ELECTRICITY producer and one of Europe’s major hydropower operators, has added the Watermaster Classic V eco- dredger to its maintenance fleet. The machine will be used across the company’s network of hydropower plants, dams and associated water infrastructure, where regular maintenance is required to maintain hydraulic performance and operational reliability. VERBUND operates a wide range of hydropower assets throughout Austria. Many of these facilities depend on a complex networks of waterways, reservoirs and intake structures that are exposed to continuous sediment transport and vegetation growth. Over time,
Classic V will be used for a range of infrastructure maintenance tasks. These include desilting operations carried out using both suction dredging and backhoe dredging methods, as well as vegetation removal through raking. Together, these activities are intended to support the long-term performance of waterways and reservoirs by maintaining water storage capacity, ensuring reliable flow conditions and keeping intake areas clear. A key advantage of the Classic V is its multipurpose design. By integrating dredging and vegetation management functions into a single platform, the machine reduces the need for several specialist units on site. This approach simplifies planning and
All images: The Watermaster Classic V in operation in Austria
24 | February/March 2026 |
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