GLDD Orders Second Hopper Dredge From Conrad Shipyard
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (GLDD), a Houston-based dredging service provider, has announced it has exercised a contract option to build a second 6,500-cubic-yard-capacity trailing suction hopper dredge at Conrad Shipyard’s Amelia, La., facility.
The dredge will be a sister ship to the Galveston Island, which is currently under construction at the Amelia shipyard. Conrad laid the keel for the Galveston Island in April 2021 and expects to deliver that vessel in early 2023. The second hopper dredge will follow in early 2025.
“As the leader in the U.S. dredging industry, Great Lakes continues to strategically invest in its dredging fleet,” said Lasse Petterson, GLDD president and CEO. “This highly automated new-build vessel 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 to meet our nation’s maritime infrastructure needs. This vessel reinforces our commitment to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the robust U.S. dredging market.”
Regarding the dredge currently under construction, Petterson added, “Construction of the Galveston Island at Conrad has progressed on schedule and on budget. We are very pleased with the quality of construction and our strong partnership with Conrad.”
Like the Galveston Island, the forthcoming dredge will feature two 800 mm (31.5-inch) suction pipes and will dredge at depths up to 100 feet. The vessel will measure 346 feet by 69 feet, with a depth of 23 feet and 16,500 total horsepower.
The dredge will have direct high-power pump-ashore capabilities, dredging system automation, dynamic positioning and tracking and Tier 4-compliant engines. While the engines will reduce emissions, other features aboard the dredge will minimize turbidity and its impact on marine species. The dredge will offer single-occupancy staterooms, a workout room and a movie theater that will double as training space.
The additional dredge represents just the latest partnership between Conrad and GLDD. Other projects underway include construction of three 7,100-cubic-yard dump scow barges scheduled and a pair of multi-cat vessels, all due out later this year.
