Cutter suction dredge Mindi was built by Ellicot Machine Corporation in Baltimore at a cost of US$7 million, and was commissioned in 1943, operating by steam at the time. Between 1977 and 1979, it was refitted to operate with diesel and electricity. Dredge Mindi cuts and sucks material, pumps and deposits it through pipelines in disposal sites up to 10, 000 feet (3,048 m.) away. It is 400 feet (121.92 m.) long, 14 feet (4.27 m.) deep, and a has 72 feet (21.94 m.) cutter suction ladder.