The problem of underkeel clearance is not new; since time immemorial navigators have been concerned to know the minimum depth of water in which they can sail with a ship of given draught. Until quite recently, underkeel clearance requirements were determined almost entirely empirically, and in many cases the rule of thumb values used can be shown to be greater than the requirement of navigational safety would dictate.

In the years since the war the pattern of the oil industry has changed and very large ships are now commonly used to carry crude oil cargoes to a large number of ports around the world. It is obvious that use of these ships, with their deep draughts, has meant that a number of expensive dredging projects have been put in hand to provide adequate access to the ports served. Continuing escalation in size means this will probably continue.