Steel cutting ceremony for new GLDD dredger

Conrad Shipyard, Morgan City, La., hosted a steel cutting ceremony for Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (GLDD) at its Deepwater South shipyard in Amelia on February 5, 2021. The ceremony signals the start of construction of a 6,500 cubic yard trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD).

Delivery of the vessel is scheduled before the end of Q2 in 2023, said Conrad in their latest release.

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 dredger will feature two 800mm 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 dredger will be well-suited to multiuse 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.

According to Conrad, the dredger will be equipped with a direct high-power pump-ashore installation, dredging system automation, dynamic positioning and tracking, US EPA Tier IV compliant engines, and additional features designed to minimize the impact of its dredging process on the environment.