(MORGAN CITY, La.) — Conrad Shipyard hosted a steel-cutting ceremony for Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corp. (GLDD) at its Deepwater South shipyard in Amelia on Feb. 5. The ceremony signals the start of construction of a 6,500-cubic-yard trailing suction hopper dredge. Delivery of the vessel is scheduled before the end of the second quarter in 2023.
Addressing an audience of Conrad and GLDD managers, shipyard workers and guests, David Simonelli, Great Lakes chief operating officer, said that the long-standing relationship between the two companies is stronger than ever.
“The steel cutting for this new hopper dredge is an important milestone for Great Lakes as we strategically invest in our fleet capacity to meet the nation’s maritime infrastructure needs,” he said. “We are proud to partner with Conrad in the construction of this state-of-the-art Jones Act-compliant vessel, which when operational will rebuild and protect our shorelines, deepen and maintain shipping channels and help restore Louisiana’s eroded barrier islands and marshes.”
The dredge will feature two 800-mm suction pipes and will be able to dredge at depths of up to 100 feet. The vessel has 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, EPA Tier 4-compliant engines, and additional features designed to minimize the impact of its dredging process on the environment. The Tier 4 engines significantly reduce the vessel’s climate footprint, while other incorporated features minimize turbidity and marine species entrainment. Best-in-class accommodations feature single-occupancy staterooms, a workout room, and a movie theater with raised seating that doubles as a training facility.
– Conrad Shipyard
