Posted on May 24, 2021
A DredgeWire Exclusive – By Peter Bowe, Publisher
Ellicott Dredges was the winning bidder in a recent tender by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks & Watercraft (ODNR.)
Ellicott won the order for a new swinging ladder dredge, an Ellicott Model 460 (12”/300mm) with a bid of just over US$1million. The new dredge will include the ability to operate either in conventional or swinging ladder mode, a suction side relief valve, biodegradable hydraulic fluid, and extra wide side tanks for the entire length of the hull.
Replacing a 57 year-old Ellicott Dredge
In an interesting twist, according the Ohio Dredging Program Administator Tom Grabow, the new Ellicott dredge will replace the 1964 Ellicott conventional cutter dredge “Buckeye.” Once the new dredge arrives in late Fall 2021 or early Spring 2022, the 57 year-old “Buckeye” will be taken out of service and sold, not scrapped! The new combination swinging ladder dredge will be deployed to Buckeye Lake, which is in central Ohio, and remain there. A local community group, Friends of Lake Buckeye, will name the new dredge.
DredgeWire interviewed ODNR on the occasion of the contract award:
DW:
We’ve heard about algae problems. Can you describe the success in dealing with prior algae problems and whether this dredge will be involved with that?
ODNR:
While the primary mission of ODNR’s dredging program is to provide safe, navigable water, the sediment that is removed contains high levels of nutrients (phosphorous and nitrogen); these nutrients feed harmful algae. The removal of those sediments assists with improving water quality.
DW:
How has COVID-19 affected the state’s dredging program and how are you dealing with it?
ODNR:
Covid-19 has presented some challenges to our operation. Most notably was the struggle to find and/or fabricate replacement parts for our dredges and support equipment. During the height of the pandemic, it was a struggle to receive parts in a timely fashion, especially from overseas. We continue to work through longer than usual lead times for supplies, but we believe the 2021 dredging season will be very productive.
DW:
How many people work in the state’s dredging program now?
ODNR:
Currently, there are 44 staff members working for the ODNR, Division of Parks and Watercraft’s Dredge Program. The division currently owns and operates 14 hydraulic suction dredges, as well as support equipment including excavators, dozers, a boom truck, front end loaders, weed harvesters, and dump trucks and other large-scale equipment.
DW:
Well, congratulations on the new purchase.
Does ODNR have plans to buy additional units?
ODNR:
At this time, ODNR isn’t looking at purchasing any additional units, but that is always subject to change based on statewide dredging demands.
DredgeWire also spoke with Ellicott’s Domestic Sales Manager Steve Miller about the new win. He noted that this sale marks the fourth 460SL supplied to the State of Ohio’s Waterway program. He commented that “The model 460SL dredge is a unique design that allows the operator to excavate in the swinging ladder or conventional mode and is favored by agency programs and by professional marine contractors.” He concluded by noting that Ellicott was thankful to win the order from Ohio.
Former Ellicott 1960’s
DredgeWire Publisher Peter Bowe worked at Ellicott Dredges for over 30 years and retired as CEO in 2018.
