UK Dredging was established in 1996 as a division of Associated British Ports. Its two main centres of operation - on Britain's east and west coasts - are overseen by the General Manager and based in UKD's head office in Cardiff. UKD is backed by the financial strength of ABP, the UK's largest and leading ports group, handling about a quarter of the country's seaborne trade. This strength has allowed UKD to maintain a programme of continued capital investment. Modern vessels equipped with the latest satellite position-fixing and dredge-monitoring equipment allow UKD to provide an efficient and cost effective service.