Alabama Shipyard Wins Hopper Dredge Contract

Alabama Shipyard has contracted with Manson Construction Co. to build a hopper dredge at its facility in Mobile, Alabama. The 12,000 cubic yard hopper dredge, designed by Hal Hockema & Associates of Seattle, Washington, has a length of 390-ft, breadth 76-ft and depth of 30-ft. Engineering and Planning for the hopper dredge has already begun at the facility on Pinto Island. Steel cutting will begin in November 2004 with delivery slated for October 2005. Ron J. McAlear, President of Atlantic Marine, Inc. said, “Manson is a leader in the marine construction industry and we are excited about the opportunity to work with them on this project.” Manson Construction Co. Chairman of the Board, Everett “Pete” Paup, said “We are very excited about our association with Alabama Shipyard and their capabilities in vessel construction. Once complete, the hopper dredge will be the largest in the United States. Since 1978, Congress has encouraged the development of a private hopper dredge industry to replace older USACOE dredges and Manson again responds with the building of this, our fourth, hopper dredge as the next step in that progression.”