Boat builders to launch pioneering dredging tool

The invention by Goodchild Marine, based at Burgh Castle, near Great Yarmouth, combines cutting with suction to tackle the most stubborn of material on land or water based excavators.

The dredging head, named La Benna Dragante, has been developed in collaboration with Italian manufacturers Italdraghe over a three-year period and the company believes it is a world first.

It can be attached to any hydraulic excavator, is easily transportable and can be used in a variety of operations such as dredging in harbours, reservoirs and canals and removing debris from flood water.

The product is the latest in a long line of pioneering ideas by Goodchild Marine, who have been building boats and providing marine services for nearly 40 years.

Alan Goodchild, managing director, will be treading the water with the attachment at Flood Expo, the world’s biggest flood prevention exhibition and conference, which takes place on September 26 and 27 at London’s ExCel.

Mr Goodchild said the idea for the tool had resulted from the company experiencing difficulties with the pump on their own dredger.

“When we built our own dredger, the Rufford, there were a few technical difficulties with the pump, especially when priming, so when we received an order to build a similar one we wanted to use a more efficient pump.

“After extensive research we discovered Italdraghe, who specialise in building dredgers and together we worked on the MarinaMaster dredger, which was built in Italy to the Goodchild Marine design.

“It naturally led us to develop this product with a view to it being used by the likes of
councils, government bodies, environment agencies and companies that provide flooding services and dredging equipment.

“It’s the first time we have exhibited at Flood Expo and we hope that it generates a lot of interest on the UK market. There is nothing else in the world like it, the design and production is a world first.”

La Benna Dragante boasts simple installation, low costs and suitability for hard-to-access stretches of water.

It is powered by the excavators own hydraulic system and incorporates a robust pump that is capable of being used both on land and floating.

A range of dredging heads are available to suit most applications and most excavators.

The smallest can move 380 cu m/hr of mixed material and water and the largest can move 1,400 cu m/hr.

Due to high business demands Goodchild Marine are currently looking for extra staff.

For more information call Lisa Pierce on 01493 782301.