Aggregate wharves have advanced screening and washing facilities, although some sell product without the need for processing.The greatest demand is for sand and 4-10mm, 10-20mm and 20-40mm gravel. Oversize gravel is usually crushed before being re-screened into the smaller grades.

Ready-mixed concrete and concrete products are the main uses of marine aggregates, and many wharves now incorporate related manufacturing facilities.

One of the great benefits of the industry is its ability to deliver large volumes of aggregates close to the point of use in the heart of coastal urban areas. With some wharves also benefiting from rail links, while others use barges for final delivery to riverside projects, lorry traffic is greatly reduced.