The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has awarded a US$43 million contract to Dutch company IHC Engineering Business, a part of IHC Merwede Group, for the design and construction of a new backhoe dredge.
Due for delivery in December 2012, IHC Engineering Business will be responsible for the design, construction, tests and delivery of the hydraulic backhoe dredge. The dredge, powered by diesel engines, will have the capacity to dredge to a depth of 18 metres underwater with a bucket of at least 11 cubic metres.
ACP’s expansion plans, which will utilise the new vessel, will result in a new lane of traffic along the Panama Canal through the construction of a new set of locks, doubling the capacity and allowing for the transit of longer, wider ships.
Due for delivery in December 2012, IHC Engineering Business will be responsible for the design, construction, tests and delivery of the hydraulic backhoe dredge. The dredge, powered by diesel engines, will have the capacity to dredge to a depth of 18 metres underwater with a bucket of at least 11 cubic metres.
ACP’s expansion plans, which will utilise the new vessel, will result in a new lane of traffic along the Panama Canal through the construction of a new set of locks, doubling the capacity and allowing for the transit of longer, wider ships.