(MORGAN CITY, La.) — Conrad Shipyard hosted a keel-laying ceremony on April 16 for a 6,500-cubic-yard trailing suction hopper dredge being built for Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company (GLDD). Delivery is scheduled for the first quarter of 2023.
Addressing an audience of Conrad and GLDD executives at Conrad’s Deepwater shipyard in Amelia, La., along with U.S. Coast Guard personnel, shipyard workers and guests, Conrad Chairman and CEO Johnny Conrad discussed the significance of the relationship and commented on the synergies between the two companies.
“Our valued relationship began more than 35 years ago, and in that time, we have worked together on several projects including deck barges, anchor barges and dredge support equipment. In addition to those new construction projects, we have done repair and conversion work for GLDD, including the dredge Alaska, which is in our shipyard now for repairs. It is our honor to build this vessel for you,” Conrad said.
“I would like to thank Great Lakes Dredge & Dock for the confidence and trust that you showed in awarding us this project. Your recognition that your workforce is the reason for your success aligns well with Conrad corporate values. I’ve heard my father and our founder, Parker Conrad, say that exact same thing many, many times. It was one of his founding principles.”
Bill Hanson, GLDD senior vice president of government relations and business development, said that the company has worked off the Louisiana Gulf Coast for more than 80 years. He praised the Conrad workforce for its quality and also Louisiana Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser for his support of the dredging industry and coastal restoration.
Nungesser noted that the history of the two companies showed their respect for the environment and he pledged his continuing support for coastal restoration and navigable shipping channels.
Hanson and Chris Roberts and Vidar Lindmoen from GLDD initialed the keel panels for later beading by a welder.
– Conrad Shipyard