Panama Canals old Mindi to be replaced

Panama Canals old Mindi to be replaced

The historic dredge, Mindi, is set to be replaced by a new and more efficient dredging model, to be manufactured in the Netherlands. The ACP has awarded a $95.92 million contract to IHV Beaver Dredgers B.V. from the Netherlands to replace the aging Mindi.

Mindi, which is seen a part of the Panama Canal by local yachtsman, has been in operation in the Galliard cut since 1942. The vessel houses up to 20 crewmembers at a time, whilst dredging and is usually held in place by tugs whilst the crew dredges in areas of the canal. Mindi’s capacity of 9,000kW is not sufficient for the task at hand of widening the canal for the new generation post Panamax vessels that will transit the canal.

The new dredge will have a capacity of 12,000kW and is scheduled to arrive in Panama in May 2011, and will have the capability of digging down 25 meters. The new beaver dredge will operate at both the Atlantic and Pacific entrances, outside of the new locks, as well as in the Galliard Cut and within the Gatun Lake.

With two years left in service, fans and tourists can still wave goodbye to the faithful Mindi, scheduled for retirement when the new dredge arrives from the Netherlands.

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