Sea transport is increasing due to its environmental and economic benefits. The related expansion of ports and the development towards longer, wider and more deep-draught ships cause a huge need for dredging of sediments in fairways and ports. A large volume of these sediments are contaminated with heavy metals and organic contaminants. Millions of m3 of these sediments have to be dredged and handled in the coming years according to studies performed by the SMOCS/PortInfra network. The SMOCS project (Sustainable Management of Contaminated Sediments) within the Baltic Sea Region Programme 2007-2013 has developed a guideline on management of contaminated sediments based on a sustainability approach. This paper deals with important considerations and key experiences in the different phases in a project from characterisation of sediments to be dredged, basic risk assessment, feasibility study and selection of handling options, planning and permitting, execution incl. detailed design considerations and field test and serviceability stage incl. monitoring. The stabilization/solidification technology has been applied implying the beneficial use of such treated dredged contaminated sediments in port constructions reducing the use of ending natural resources.