Case Study: SPE GmbH & Co KG achieves autonomous, 2 cm‑accurate dredging with Trimble (BX992 receiver & CenterPoint RTX)

An Innovative Approach to Create More Efficient and Cleaner Dredging

SPE GmbH & Co KG, a Hamburg-based engineering firm and long-time innovator in onshore and offshore dredging, set out in 2019 to fully automate dredgers so sensors could collect data and control operations autonomously. The company faced a major challenge: finding a positioning solution accurate enough to replace skilled operators—its early system could only achieve about 30 cm accuracy, which fell short of SPE’s and customers’ requirements.

SPE partnered with Trimble to integrate the BX992 receiver, GA830 antenna and CenterPoint RTX corrections, achieving consistent 2 cm positioning and reliable sonar visualization to depths beyond 80 m even in turbid water. After rooftop testing and system integration, SPE launched its first autonomous end-to-end dredging solution in March 2021, delivering increased productivity, optimized dredging, lower skilled-labor needs and a reduced carbon footprint.

SPE

Peter Klemp

Managing Director