Chiriqui Marine Construction
David, Republic of Panama, Central America

The logistics and equipment requirements for construction of our floating dock project led us to purchase a motorized barge to be used for materials transportation, pile driving and dock construction. We researched the equipment available on the Pacific coast, in both Panama and Costa Rica, it became obvious that it would be more cost effective to purchase and outfit our own barge. The cost of deployment for the locally available equipment exceeded the cost of the pile driving for the each of the construction phases.

The M/V Santa Maria R. was purchased in 2007. The vessel was modified to include an A-frame and spuds (for holding bottom position). A hydraulic power pack was installed to power the dual reversible winches, dual equipment/anchor winches, and the water wash pump. A pneumatic hammer and compressor and welder/generator will be added soon. The 70’ vessel has now been successfully imported, flagged, registered and permitted, licensed and insured for commercial work in Panama.

The barge is a multi-function vessel. The propulsion system, which can be raised and lowered, and its shallow draft, allows shallow water operation. Bottom rails allow the craft to be beached. The barge’s spuds and lifting system are ideal for marine recovery operations while maintaining position. The front doors and loading ramp give it Roll on-Roll off capability for equipment and vehicles. Her large deck has open and covered areas and will facilitate welding, fabrication and dock construction from materials on deck.

Chiriqui Marine Construction company’s commercial operations will allow us to employ the barge for other clients while we upgrade the vessel, install the new equipment and train the crew for the MBC dock construction work.

We are offering material transport, marine construction and marine design and consulting services to the general public. Our base is in Pedregal and we offer our services in the Chiriqui coastal and off-shore areas.