MUDNET 2026 ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

28-30 September 2026

Le Havre, France

2nd MUDNET CONFERENCE

THE PLACE TO MEET THE EXPERTS RESEARCHING

PROCESSES IN FINE-GRAINED SEDIMENTS

The first MUDNET conference was held in 2021 (online due to COVID-19 restrictions). For its second edition, we are thrilled to welcome you in person in France!

The second MUDNET Conference is meant as an interdisciplinary platform for discussion between stakeholders and scientists interested in the complex properties of fine-grained sediment (mud). It focuses on sediment management and its challenges in European ports, and on the specific aspects of the complex behaviour of mud in natural systems. These aspects are grouped under different topics related to rheology, biology, acoustics and hydraulics. The conference strengthens the link between fundamental research and applied engineering practice and creates opportunities for collaboration on topics such as low-density sediments, operational decision support, sustainable dredging strategies, and adaptive management to ensure environmental compliance within marine projects. The event will be a forum for leading researchers and industrial partners, to share ideas, discuss challenges and consider potential solutions for sediment and mud related issues, to improve sediment managements in ports and waterways, and provide healthy ecosystems in marine environments. For this aim, researchers and stakholders have to develop predictive models and protocols, based on in-situ monitoring and complementary lab analysis for smart, sustainable and circular port maintenance. The event will be be held in the university Le Havre Normandie on September 28 - 30, 2026.

PROGRAMME

DAY 1

INTRODUCING MUDNET

KEY TOPICS PRESENTATIONS

DAY 2

VISIT TO THE PORT

KEY TOPICS PRESENTATIONS

DAY 3

KEY TOPICS PRESENTATIONS

KEY TOPICS

RHEOLOGY OF MUD AND CLAYEY SUSPENSIONS

FLOCCULATION OF SUSPENDED PARTICLES

BIOCHEMICAL PROCESSES IN MUD

NAVIGATION THROUGH FLUID MUD

ACOUSTICAL SENSING OF MUD LAYERS

NUMERICAL MODELS OF MUD TRANSPORT

Program

(detailed session plan to follow)

Local organizing committee

Ahmed Benamar

Pierre Maréchal

Mohamed-Tahar Ammami

Zulfiqar Ahmad

MUDNET organizing committee

Alex Kirichek

Claire Chassagne

Julia Gebert

Caroline Grilo

Rudy Helmons

Geert Keetels

Deyan Draganov

Host

Le Havre Normandy University

25 rue Philippe Lebon

76063 Le Havre