IHC Merwede has been awarded the contract to design and construct a backhoe dredger
for the Panama Canal Authority (ACP). The contract is worth 43 million dollars.
The backhoe dredger is not the first Panamanian project for IHC Merwede. In 2008, the
company was awarded the design and build of a custom-built cutter suction dredger, Quibian 1.
State-of-the-Art Equipment
The vessel will be constructed using the latest technological developments. The improved
design results in extremely high stability, shorter cycle times and therefore higher production rates. The most important piece of equipment on the backhoe dredger is the hydraulic
excavator. This will be powered by diesel engines and have the capacity to dredge to a depth of
19.5 metres underwater.
IHC Global Production
IHC Global Production, an IHC Merwede business unit that specialises in the design and
construction of special vessels – such as backhoe dredgers – is responsible for the assignment.
As expected, the vessel will be delivered in December 2012 and will initially work on the
Panama Canal’s ongoing expansion programme.
Source: https://www.ihcmerwede.com[IHC Merwede]
