Excade, a family-owned business from Asturias, Spain, is well-known for its technologically advanced approach to challenging projects.
Last year, Excade carried out dredging works at the mouth of the Carrocedo River in Llanes, Asturias. The Carrocedo is a small river flowing through the coastal town of Llanes and forming a narrow estuary where freshwater from the river meets tidal seawater.
The estuary includes a linear marina and fishing harbor, with a small inner basin on the left bank and another near the entrance serving the local fishing fleet.
Over time, the marina and fishing harbor experienced significant sediment accumulation. River inflow and tidal conditions continuously affected sediment movement, gradually reducing channel access and maneuverability within both the marina basin and fishing harbor. At low tide, some vessels were left stranded due to insufficient water depth.
Dredging works were required to restore navigable depths, allowing vessels to enter and maneuver within the port.
The project presented several challenges:
- shallow tidal water
- confined marina conditions
- limited access from both land and water
- and urban waterfront constraints.
To address these conditions, Excade adopted an innovative approach using Big Float E22 amphibious excavator.
Big Float E22 provided the flexibility required for the project: Its self-propulsion and adjustable widening system allowed the machine to navigate through narrow sections of the estuary, including gates, bridges, and tight river bends, while still maintaining the stability needed for dredging operations.
Over the course of six months, approximately 16,000 m3 of sediment was removed, including algae, sand, and sludge.
