Posted on November 16, 2015
Two Ellicott cutter suction dredges are currently being used in the expansion of a major port in Latin America. This is part of a project to increase the port’s container handling capacity and accommodate Post-Panamax vessels. The first Ellicott dredge, a Series 370 with a 12″ x 10″ (300 x 250 mm) pump and 440 HP (328 kW) of total installed power, has been working at this port for over six months. This 370 dredge was recently joined by a Series 670 dredge, with 14″x14″ (350 x 350 mm) pump and 800 HP (597 kW) of total power. Ellicott was recently able to capture aerial footage of the 670 Dragon dredge at the project site. Both dredges are currently at work deepening the berthing area for the new terminal.
The 370 and 670 are portable dredges, yet they are also rugged and reliable – ideal for all types of dredging applications including port dredging. They are the most powerful dredges in this size range.
Traditionally, port expansion projects such as this one are handled utilizing larger trailing suction hopper dredgers (TSHD) or other self-propelled dredging vessels. In certain cases, smaller, portable cutter suction dredges are a better solution due to their portability, availability, high production and relatively low cost. These advantages of a portable cutter suction dredge also apply to port maintenance dredging, especially when dredging has to be performed on a regular basis.
View additional drone footage of an Ellicott 1870 Dragon dredge being launched for another project in South America.
