SAVANNAH, Ga. – A massive dredging effort began Dec. 1 to push through the final phase of the outer channel deepening for the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project, commonly called SHEP. Up to five hopper dredges have been committed to the effort, each working 24-hour shifts to complete the deepening of the channel and the 7-mile seaward extension of the SHEP during the current environmental window which will close in the spring.