Sidecase (Boom) Dredging in Venequela and Suitable Projects in the U.S.A. and Canada
To alleviate the situation a T2 tanker was converted into a sidecast dredge for the purpose of dredging o channel in one of the tributaries of the Orinoco River. The converted tanker Sealane was completely successful in increasing the outlet of the Orinoco to the point where 83 percent greater tonnage per voyage could be carried in vessels up to 60,000 dwt. The Sealane was employed successfully in lengthening and deepening the entrance channel to Lake Maracaibo, Venezuela. This performance led to the construction of the sidecast dredge Zulia which has been in operation since February 1960. An account of the operation of these vessels and the potential of sidecast dredging in the United States, Canada, and in many problem areas throughout the world is given in the paper.