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From Dispute to Insight: Lessons from the Dredging Expert Witness Role

24 September 2025 by
From Dispute to Insight:  Lessons from the Dredging Expert Witness Role
in2Dredging Pty Ltd, Simon Burgmans


At in2Dredging (i2D), we believe the dredging community benefits when lessons from disputes are openly shared and applied to future projects. Too often, valuable insights from arbitration remain locked away, rather than helping to prevent the next costly dispute. Court proceedings, by contrast, are often public and should be studied by dredging engineers – just as lawyers routinely do. The difference is that while lawyers study case law, engineers can use these lessons to improve project scopes and specifications. Our presentation, From Dispute to Insight: Lessons Learnt Serving as a Dredging Expert Witness, explored how experiences from disputes and our expert witness work provide practical guidance for improving project delivery and contract management.

This presentation was delivered at the 16th Dredging & Land Reclamation Summit 2025 in Singapore. The event brought together industry leaders from around the world to share knowledge and best practices. i2D was proud to contribute to this global forum. It reinforced our commitment to adding value to the dredging community through open knowledge-sharing and evidence-based insights.

Lessons Learnt Serving as a Dredging Expert Witness

Key insights included:

  • Contract pitfalls such as unsuitable equipment, misinterpreted latent conditions, and vague survey or volume measurement rules frequently trigger disputes – yet these can often be easily avoided with clear definitions and early attention.
  • Independent analysis methods such as baseline reviews, production estimates, and equipment suitability checks, are not only valuable in litigation but can also be applied proactively in planning and tender evaluations.
  • Case studies illustrate how weak site investigations, over-reliance on disclaimers, and poorly defined baselines have escalated into delays, claims, disputes, and protracted proceedings.
  • Forensic-level clarity achieved through proper records and evidence allows owners and consultants to safeguard delivery, manage risks early, and avoid costly surprises. Transparency and solid documentation not only rationalise relationships but also create a clear project narrative.

The central message is clear: disputes can be powerful teachers – if we analyse them and apply the lessons going forward. By embedding expert witness insights before conflicts arise, the dredging industry can strengthen contracts and tenders, improve communication, and deliver more resilient outcomes.

For more on how i2D supports clients with dispute resolution and expert witness services, visit:  www.in2dredging.com/dispute-resolution-dredging-expert-witness-services.


From Dispute to Insight: Lessons from a Dredging Expert Witness