Houston-based dredging contractor, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation, has announced the acquisition of several new contracts totaling $256.2 million. These projects will play a critical role in enhancing the nation’s infrastructure and environmental resilience.
Mobile Harbor, Alabama Deepening and Widening – Phase 2A Dredging Project
Overview of the Mobile Harbor Project
The Mobile Harbor, Alabama Deepening and Widening – Phase 2A Dredging Project, valued at $65.9 million, is designed to deepen the channel by six feet. This expansion will improve navigation and allow larger, deeper-draft vessels to access the port, significantly boosting its capacity and efficiency.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
The dredged material from this project will be repurposed for beneficial use in the Sand Island Beneficial Use Area, highlighting a commitment to environmental sustainability. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District, is managing this federally funded project. Work is expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2024, with completion projected for spring 2025.
Port Everglades Sand Bypass Dredging Project
Sustainable Beach Renourishment in Florida
The $59.8 million Port Everglades Sand Bypass Dredging Project provides a sustainable solution for beach renourishment in Broward County, Florida. By constructing a sand trap on the north side of the Port inlet, the project will capture sand that would otherwise be lost to erosion and offshore transport.
Long-Term Impact on Coastal Resilience
The collected sand will be stored for future beach placement, ensuring a renewable and local source for ongoing beach renourishment. Broward County is funding this state and locally supported project, which is expected to begin in the second half of 2025 and conclude in 2026.
Barnegat Inlet to Little Egg Inlet, Long Beach Island Beach Renourishment Project
Enhancing Coastal Protection in New Jersey
Valued at $54.4 million, the Barnegat Inlet to Little Egg Inlet, Long Beach Island Beach Renourishment Project aims to restore and protect the dune and berm system along the Atlantic Ocean coastline of Long Beach Island, New Jersey.
Potential for Expansion
The project, overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Philadelphia District, may include additional options pending approval, totaling approximately $63.8 million. The federally funded project is scheduled to start in the fourth quarter of 2024 and finish by the third quarter of 2025.
Fire Island Inlet Dredging Project
Emergency Shore Protection for New York Communities
The Fire Island Inlet Dredging Project, with a budget of $52.0 million, focuses on providing emergency beach fill and shore protection to multiple communities along Fire Island, New York. This project addresses the urgent need for coastal defense in the area.
Timeline and Funding
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District, is funding and managing this federally supported project. Work is slated to start in the fourth quarter of 2024, with an expected completion date in the first half of 2025.
North Wildwood, New Jersey, Emergency Beach Renourishment Project
Urgent Shoreline Protection in North Wildwood
The $14.8 million North Wildwood, New Jersey, Emergency Beach Renourishment Project aims to provide essential sand replenishment on North Wildwood beaches. This project is crucial for protecting shoreline properties and ensuring a safer coastline for residents and visitors.
Rapid Project Execution
Funded by the New Jersey Department of Transportation, this subcontract was awarded, executed, and completed in the second quarter of 2024, demonstrating the efficiency and effectiveness of the project team.
St. Lucie Inlet Maintenance Dredging Project
Maintaining Navigability in Florida’s Waterways
The St. Lucie Inlet Maintenance Dredging Project, valued at $9.3 million, focuses on the maintenance dredging of the entrance channel and impoundment basin. This project is essential for maintaining the navigability of St. Lucie Inlet.
Project Timeline and Client
Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, this federally funded project began in July 2024 and is expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter of 2024.
CEO’s Statement on the Future of Great Lakes Dredge & Dock
Lasse Petterson, President and CEO of Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation, stated, “These critical projects, encompassing capital, coastal protection, and maintenance work, allow Great Lakes to contribute to the overall enhancement and resilience of our nation’s environment, coastlines, and infrastructure. In addition to these awarded contracts, Great Lakes has approximately $318 million in low bids and pending options, including two projects where we were the lowest bidder this month. This brings our potential total pipeline of work to over $1.2 billion.”
Conclusion: Strengthening the Nation’s Infrastructure and Environment
The new contracts secured by Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation underline the company’s vital role in enhancing the United States’ infrastructure and environmental resilience. With a diverse portfolio of projects across several states, the company continues to be a leader in dredging and coastal protection.