IHC Merwede delivers new backhoe dredger in Panama
On 22 April 2013, IHC Merwede delivered the ALBERTO ALEMÁN ZUBIETA to Autoridad del Canal de Panama (ACP) in Panama City. The formalities were handled by ACP's Contracting Officer, Mrs Regina Donelson, after a successful trial period of 30 continuous days on the Panama Canal, the equipment manufacturer said in a media release
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 notable delivery of a previous order for ACP – the cutter suction dredger QUIBÍAN 1.
The ALBERTO ALEMÁN ZUBIETA has been designed and built using the latest technological developments. The vessel will initially be deployed for the expansion and then the maintenance of the Panama Canal. She has been conceived and developed to operate in the Canal's Gaillard Cut, where she will dredge blasted rock and heavy soil.
IHC Merwede is the global market leader designing and building dredging and mining vessels and equipment, as well as innovative ships and supplies for offshore construction. The company’s broad customer base includes dredging operators, oil and gas corporations, offshore contractors and government authorities.
IHC Merwede has over 3,000 employees based at various locations in The Netherlands, Brazil, China, Croatia, France, India, Malaysia, the Middle East, Nigeria, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States.