Posted on May 13, 2024
In 1954, the dredge known as the Río Magdalena’ was shipped to Colombia to operate in various river dredging projects including the Canal del Dique, the Magdalena River, and the Sinu River. The massive cutter-suction dredge is 230ft (70.5m) in length and 44ft (13.5m) in width. The dredge is equipped with auto-propulsion and has a total installed horsepower of 2250. In addition, the ‘Río Magdalena’ can accommodate 15 people, contains 5 cabins, and is equipped with a kitchen and dining area for a more comfortable dredging experience.
For context, the Magdalena River plays a crucial role in Colombia’s economy for being a vital transportation route for goods. Since the 1800s, goods have been and continue to be transported via shallow-draft steamboats. The accumulation of sand and sediment due to deforestation, erosion, and flooding requires dredging to maintain the navigability of the river. This is where the historic ‘Río Magdalena’ Dredge has come into play.
The incredible ‘Río Magdalena’ dredge is still in operation, and this year will be its 70th anniversary of shipment. The longevity of the historic dredge truly speaks to the quality of the Ellicott brand. Ellicott Dredges continues to provide robust and durable cutter-suction dredges to all parts of the world.
Please contact us to learn more about how Ellicott can assist you with your dredging project!
