Great Lakes Dredge taps Conrad for new Jones Act vessel

The following is text of a news release from Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corp:

(OAK BROOK, Ill.) — Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corp. has announced the execution of a definitive contract for the construction of a 6,500-cubic-yard-capacity trailing suction hopper dredge. The company has contracted with Conrad Shipyard of Morgan City, La., for the construction of the new vessel, with an option to build an additional dredge should market conditions warrant. Conrad will perform the detail design and construct the dredge at its Amelia, La., location based on a regulatory-level design provided by Great Lakes’ in-house engineering department in collaboration with C-Job Naval Architects.

With expected delivery in the first quarter of 2023, the vessel will complement the company’s existing six-dredge hopper fleet, including the ATB tug Douglas B. Mackie and 15,000-cubic-yard-capacity barge Ellis Island, which was delivered in the fourth quarter of 2017.

“This highly automated newbuild vessel will increase the capabilities of our hopper fleet in the coastal protection and maintenance markets as well as addressing specific needs in the growing offshore wind market," said Lasse Petterson, Great Lakes' chief executive officer and president. "We are proud to utilize American-engineered and built engines, dredge pumps, technology and dredging installations to create a highly efficient and productive vessel to meet our nation's maritime infrastructure needs. The construction of this Jones Act-qualified vessel, at peak construction, will create 150 high-paying shipyard jobs and upon delivery the ship will be crewed by U.S. citizen mariners. This vessel reinforces our commitment to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and faith in the future of the U.S. dredging market.”

The dredge will feature two 31-inch suction pipes and will be able to dredge at depths of up to 100 feet, with principal dimensions of approximately 346 feet in length, 69 feet in breadth and 23 feet in depth and total installed horsepower of 16,500. The new dredge will be well suited to multi-use applications on various project types. It will be deployed for channel deepening, maintenance dredging, beach nourishment, and coastal restoration projects with short to medium distance transport requirements.

The dredge will be equipped with a direct high power pump-ashore installation, dredging system automation, dynamic positioning and tracking, US EPA Tier 4 compliant engines, and additional features designed to minimize the impact of its dredging process on the environment. The Tier 4-compliant engines significantly reduce the vessel’s climate footprint, while other incorporated features minimize turbidity and marine species entrainment. Accommodations feature single-occupancy staterooms, a workout room, and a movie theater with raised seating that doubles as a training facility.

By Professional Mariner Staff