Keel laid for GLDD’s new hopper dredge

Conrad Shipyard recently hosted a keel laying ceremony for Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company (GLDD) new 6,500 cubic yard trailing suction hopper dredge at its Deepwater shipyard in Amelia, Louisiana.

Addressing an audience of Conrad and GLDD executives, Louisiana’s Lt. Governor, USCG 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,” said Johnny Conrad.

He continued: “I would like to thank Great Lakes Dredge and 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 their quality and also Louisiana Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser for his support of the dredging industry and coastal restoration.

GLDD’s Bill Hanson, Chris Roberts, and Vidar Lindmoen initialed the keel panels for later beading by a welder.

The newbuild will feature two 800mm 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 horse power of 16,500.

With expected delivery in the 1st 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.