The Codfish dredge
BARNSTABLE – Final modifications are being made to the county’s new $2 million dredge.
The dredge, named Sand Shifter, being built by Ellicot Dredge, of Baltimore, missed its contracted delivery date due to issues with onboard electronics and hydraulics.
Barnstable County Facilities Director Stephen Tebo said the new hydraulic systems are all working and manual overrides were installed while providing an update to Barnstable County Commissioners recently.
“I’m really kind of impressed with their effort this time around on trying to get this boat working,” Tebo said.
Tebo said having the ability to operate the dredge electronically or manually is a plus.
“That is ideal for us,” he said.
Work crews worked through tough weather conditions to fix the electronic and hydraulic issues, according to Tebo.
Adequate testing of the dredge may not be able to be completed until later this month or early in February due to dredging locations being iced over.
The dredge was frozen in the Bass River last week and plans were to move it to Provincetown as soon as it was possible, because that is where the next project is scheduled.
County Commissioner’s chairman Leo Cakounes reiterated that the county will not take possession until the dredge is ready.
“Prior to taking full 100 percent ownership of this vehicle we will run it through its tests,” Cakounes said.
At the end of November, Cakounes said the relationship between the county and the manufacturer had been great through the process and that they accepted responsibility for the delay in delivery.
The company has been amassing a $200 per day penalty since missing the contracted delivery date in July.
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