Conrad to Build TSHD for Great Lakes Dredge & Dock
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation signed a contract with Conrad Shipyard for the construction of a new 6,500-cubic-yard-capacity trailing suction hopper dredge (TSHD) for scheduled delivery in the first quarter of 2023.
The deal includes an option to build an additional dredge, the U.S.' largest dredging services provider said on Tuesday.
Conrad will perform the detail design and construct the dredges at its Amelia, La. location based on a regulatory-level design provided by Great Lakes’ in-house engineering department in collaboration with C-Job Naval Architects.
The new dredge will be deployed for channel deepening, maintenance dredging, beach nourishment and coastal restoration projects with short to medium distance transport requirements.
It will feature two 800-millimeter 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 horsepower of 16,500.
The dredge will be equipped with a direct high power pump-ashore installation, dredging system automation, dynamic positioning and tracking, U.S. EPA Tier IV compliant engines, and additional features designed to minimize the impact of its dredging process on the environment. The Tier IV-compliant engines significantly reduce the vessel’s climate footprint, while other incorporated features minimize turbidity and marine species entrainment. Onboard accommodations include single-occupancy staterooms, a workout room and a movie theater with raised seating that doubles as a training facility.
The TSHD boasts two suction pipes and has been specifically designed to be easy to build, according to C-Job. The hull shape was kept relatively simple while incorporating hydrodynamic design optimizations. This will make the vessel easy to build while still being fuel efficient. In addition, the design is ballast free which will reduce investment and operational costs.
Harry Kikkert, Project Manager at C-Job, said, “We believe the best designs come about in close collaboration with the client. From the start of this project, key members of the technical fleet managers were involved in the design process. Their feedback and those of the crew of which they were in close contact with were paramount to shape the design as it stands now.”
Lasse Petterson, Chief Executive Officer and President, said, “Great Lakes continues to strategically invest in its dredging fleet. This highly automated newbuild vessel will increase the capabilities of our hopper fleet in the coastal protection and maintenance markets as well addressing specific needs in the growing offshore wind market.”
Petterson noted that the Jones Act qualified vessel will features American-engineered and -built engines, dredge pumps, technology and dredging installations.
“This vessel reinforces our commitment to the U.S Army Corps of Engineers and faith in the future of the U.S. dredging market,” he added.
“This investment shows GLDD’s continued and strong commitment to the economic and national security of the Unites States,” said William P. Doyle, CEO and Executive Director of the Dredging Contractors of America. “Great Lakes Dredge & Dock is a leader in channel deepening, maintenance dredging, beach nourishment, and coastal restoration projects – and they’ve been at the forefront keeping our Nation’s harbors and waterways open during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The new dredge will complement Great Lakes’ existing six-dredge Hopper fleet, including the ATB Tug Douglas B. Mackie and 15,000-cubic-yard-capacity barge Ellis Island, which was delivered in the fourth quarter of 2017.
