Mud Cat ROV Operating at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore

SINGAPORE – Ellicott Dredge Technologies (EDT) is pleased to announce the successful start up and installation of a state-of-the-art Mud Cat brand ROV (remote operated vehicle) at the world famous Gardens by the Bay nature park in central Singapore. ML Trading International purchased a Mud Cat Model SRD-6EHV ROV System to fulfill a contract to clean approximately 3,000m3 of sludge in 2km of the Marina Gardens outlet drain tunnel which runs parallel to Marina Gardens Drive, the main access road to Gardens by the Bay.


Photo: The Mud Cat Model SRD-6EHV ROV System during factory pre-shipment testing.

ML Trading International selected the Mud Cat ROV due to Mud Cat’s global reputation as the leading supplier of remote controlled and automated dredging systems. Other ROV suppliers were considered, but their equipment did not qualify for the project. Singapore Public Utilities Board (PUB) selected ML Trading International based on their competitive bid and chosen ROV technology.

“ML Trading’s custom Mud Cat ROV and compact detwatering system, co-designed by Mud Cat and AMW Systems, sets the benchmark for cost effective storm water drain cleaning in close quarters urban environments,” said Ryan Horton, EDT Vice President.

The ROV is cleaning the drainage tunnel using multiple permanent ROV entry points constructed by PUB for routine maintenance of the drainage tunnel. The ROV along with ancillary equipment: hose reel, power cable reel, and 480 V generator set are in modular forms for easy transportation and launching via truck mounted crane.

The ROV’s pump is capable of pumping the sludge at a flow rate of 400gpm (25 lps). The pump system on this particular ROV will operate underground up to 800 ft. (244m) linear feet up to 50 ft. (15m) depth. The system had two control options: 1.) covered control station w/video monitor and 2.) hand-held remote control for movement on the go around the job site.

The Heavy Sediment Separator (HSS) dewatering system was designed by Eng. Chua Yew Hin of AMW Systems in Singapore. The system consists of two settling / separating tanks and a food grade polymer injection system. The system was able to fit in a narrow road next to the ROV operation. The semi-dry solids are removed by vacuum truck and the clear effluent was returned to the storm drain.


Photo: The ROV was easily deployed with a truck mounted crane.

Gardens by the Bay is a nature park built on 250 acres (101 hectares) of reclaimed land in Singapore. Gardens by the Bay were first announced by Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, at the National Day Rally in 2005. Created in 2012, Gardens by the Bay is Singapore’s national icon.

Features include lavish indoor and outdoor gardens and conservatories as well as the famous “Supertree Grove”which is a series of 160 ft. (49m) manmade steel trees that are fitted with environmental technologies that mimic the ecological function of real trees including: photovoltaic cells that capture solar energy for lighting just like how trees use photosynthesis. The trees also collect rainwater for irrigation and fountain water supply. The total cost of the project, not including land was approximately S$1.035 billion with an annual operating cost of approximately S$58 million.

Mud Cat builds custom ROV systems for drains, tunnels, tanks, and covered lagoons. For more information please contact EDT Vice President, Ryan Horton, at rhorton@imsdredge.com or 913-642-5100.

Location: Singapore