IHC delivers backhoe dredger for Panama Canal

The formalities were handled after a successful trial period of 30 continuous days on the Panama Canal.

IHC Special Dredging Equipment, part of IHC Merwede that specialises in the design and construction of special vessels such as backhoe dredgers, has completed the contract with ACP for the design, construction and delivery of this innovative backhoe dredger. The company was awarded this project due to the reliable technology at its disposal and an excellent track record following the delivery of a previous order for ACP, the cutter suction dredger Quibian 1.

The Alberto Aleman Zubieta has been designed and built using the latest technological developments and will initially be deployed for the expansion and then the maintenance of the Panama Canal. It has been conceived and developed to operate in the Canal’s Gaillard Cut, where it will dredge blasted rock and heavy soil.

“ACP and IHC Merwede are both proud of the Alberto Aleman Zubieta, says Bram Roelse, managing director of IHC Merwede’s Dredging division. “It’s been a complex project and we have worked together to achieve a successful result. The vessel has immediately started work on the maintenance and expansion plans in the Panama Canal.

“This represents a significant step forward in the use of advanced technology by IHC Merwede. Our life cycle support programme includes the training of the ACP team to get the best use out of the equipment, maximise profits, and maintain and service the vessel during its operating life.”

Also at IHC, the first IHC Beaver 65 DDSP has been sold to Advanced Construction Company, a member of the Al Geithy Group, based in Saudi Arabia.

Testing was successful completed at IHC Merwede’s shipyard in Sliedrecht, the Netherlands before delivery to Jeddah. After delivery the dredger will begin work in the Red Sea.

The new vessel succeeds the successful IHC Beaver 6518 and belongs to the IHC Beaver series of standard cutter suction dredgers. It has been designed with an integrated spud carrier, which makes for a stronger dredging vessel, especially in waves.

Another key feature of the IHC Beaver 65 DDSP is the directly driven submerged pump (DDSP) mounted on the cutter ladder. Working in combination with the Curve impeller, this allows the vessel to dredge at high-mixture densities, without any limitation on the vacuum, even at deeper dredging depths. Compared to other dredgers in the class, this model is equipped with greater cutting and pumping power.

Built in accordance with BV Coastal Area classification, the vessel can be used on inland water and out at sea. Like all IHC Beaver dredgers, it offers easy dismounting and transportation possibilities, and is built from stock for short delivery times.