Fort McMurray, Alberta
Project Overview
The 2025 season at Syncrude’s Base Mine Lake (BML) marked Inner City Diesel’s 4th year (altogether with a gap year in 2023), supporting bitumen removal operations in the southwest corner of the lake.
This year represented the longest operational period to date and the most successful campaign yet, with approximately 5 hectares of pond area swept and cleared of submerged bitumen.
Through precision dredging and specialized industry-specific techniques, Inner City Diesel demonstrated the effectiveness of its proprietary clamshell bucket dredging technology and methods, proving it as a safe, reliable and efficient solution for the submerged bitumen recovery process.
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Base Mine Lake is a large former tailings pond undergoing intensive reclamation at Syncrude’s site up near Fort McMurray, Alberta.
Operational challenges included:
Our advanced dredging systems and experienced operators were essential throughout this project to ensure safe, precise, and efficient operations from beginning to end.
Inner City Diesel supplied, operated, and maintained the dredging equipment, including barges and clamshell bucket technology, to remove submerged bitumen mats from certain pond sections.
Key responsibilities included:
The average daily output reached 120 buckets per day, with a record high of 244 buckets and 24 barge moves in a single day – which is a major operational milestone.
The team’s focus on precision, safety, and meeting deadlines ensured the project ran smoothly throughout the entire season.
Syncrude required a partner that was capable of:
Inner City Diesel’s proven track record and trusted clamshell bucket system not only provided precision and efficiency but also minimal disruption to surrounding pond areas and the environment. Our ability to mobilize our team quickly, maintain timely deadlines, and deliver significant and measurable results made ICD the trusted choice for this multi-year reclamation effort in 2025.
A key indicator of success on this Syncrude BML Project was Inner City Diesel’s unwavering commitment to innovation and creative problem-solving in real time, while in the field.
To enhance overall operational control and performance visibility, ICD developed and implemented a custom CCTV monitoring system across the dredging operational zones, which provided real-time visibility into dredge activity, barge positioning, and material recovery.
Inner City Diesel also implemented some automated operational processes and performance tracking tools that delivered clear key performance indicators (KPIs) throughout the project timeline, helping optimize production the rates, improve overall efficiency, and maintain consistent output while upholding strict safety and environmental standards.
Through committed teamwork, innovation, and meticulous planning, Inner City Diesel overcame every challenge that was faced on this site, delivering another Loss-Time-Injury free (LTI free) year and productive season of dredging.
Mobilization: Early 2025
Active Dredging: Summer – Fall 2025
Completion: Late 2025
This project exceeded the original overall equipment downtime projections, was supported by consistent maintenance, and ran smoothly with strategic scheduling for a high quality, responsive on-site management workflow.
Inner City Diesel’s equipment expertise and proactive maintenance kept the system running without a hitch, even under challenging conditions.
The 2025 Syncrude BML Project highlights Inner City Diesel’s ability to deliver innovative, high-volume dredging solutions while maintaining safety, precision, and environmental responsibility from the start of the project – to the end.
Through dedicated and cohesive teamwork, leading-edge technology and equipment, and consistent communication and execution, Inner City Diesel not only met the project goals, but exceeded them as well – solidifying our role as a trusted partner in Syncrude’s long-term reclamation initiatives.
