Panama orders another dredger

The dredger is scheduled for delivery in December 2012 and will be used on the expansion project for the Panama Canal. IHC Merwede says that it won the order in competition with a strong field of international competitors, no doubt helped by the successful delivery to ACP of a custom-built cutter suction dredger, Quibian 1, ordered in 2008.

The new vessel will be to an improved design, said to offer extremely high stability, shorter cycle times and higher production rates. The hydraulic excavator will be powered by diesel engines and will operate at depths up to 19.5m. The assignment will be undertaken by IHC’s Global Production business unit, that specialises in the design and construction of special vessels such as backhoe dredgers.