Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (NASDAQ: GLDD), the largest provider of dredging services in the United States, has taken delivery of its newest Jones Act-compliant hopper dredge, the Amelia Island, from Conrad Shipyard in Louisiana. The 346-foot vessel features 16,500 total horsepower, advanced automation systems, low-emission Tier IV engines, and a 6,330-cubic-yard hopper capacity designed for efficient operations in shallow and narrow U.S. waterways.
CEO Lasse Petterson stated that the addition of Amelia Island completes the company's newbuild program, resulting in the largest and most advanced hopper fleet in the nation. The vessel is immediately scheduled to begin projects through 2026, enhancing the company's capacity to maintain and improve critical U.S. waterway infrastructure. This expansion is significant for national infrastructure maintenance, as efficient dredging ensures safe navigation for commercial shipping, supports port operations, and contributes to coastal protection projects.
The company's commitment to advanced technology and environmental standards is evident in the vessel's Tier IV engines, which reduce emissions compared to older models. For more information about Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation, visit https://gldd.com/. The delivery underscores the importance of private sector investment in maintaining and modernizing essential infrastructure that supports national economic activity and environmental resilience.
