HOUSTON – Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (“Great Lakes” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: GLDD), the largest provider of dredging services in the United States, has announced a significant achievement. The Company’s recently launched Multi Cat dredge support vessels, Cape Hatteras and Cape Canaveral, have been awarded the prestigious 2024 Significant Boat of the Year honor at the International WorkBoat Show. This recognition underscores the Company’s focus on innovation, safety, and operational efficiency in the dredging and maritime industries.
The Cape Hatteras and Cape Canaveral: Innovation in Dredging Operations
Built with Precision by Conrad Shipyard
The Cape Hatteras and Cape Canaveral are 99-foot Damen 3013 Multi Cat vessels, constructed by Conrad Shipyard in Morgan City, Louisiana. These state-of-the-art vessels are specifically designed to enhance the safety and efficiency of dredging operations.
Advanced Safety Features to Protect Crews
These vessels introduce crucial safety enhancements, enabling tasks such as pipe handling and connection work to be performed securely on deck. By eliminating the need to conduct these tasks overboard, the vessels significantly reduce the risk of man overboard incidents, aligning perfectly with Great Lakes’ strong safety-first culture.
Why These Vessels Stand Out in the Industry
The First Damen Multi Cats Built in the U.S.
The Cape Hatteras and Cape Canaveral are groundbreaking in their design, being the first Damen Multi Cats constructed in the United States. This marks a significant achievement in advancing domestic maritime capabilities.
Streamlined Operations for Greater Efficiency
The vessels are engineered to minimize the need for additional floating support vessels, enhancing operational flexibility while reducing labor costs and environmental impacts. They feature cutting-edge navigation and communication technology to ensure effective operations in complex dredging environments.
A Commitment to Environmental Sustainability
The vessels are equipped with features designed to lower their environmental footprint, making them ideal for modern dredging projects that require both efficiency and eco-consciousness.
Industry Leaders Weigh In
Chris Gunsten, Senior Vice President of Project Services and Fleet Engineering at Great Lakes, highlighted the vessels’ impact:
“These vessels represent a pivotal moment for our Company and the dredging industry. By integrating advanced safety features and increasing operational efficiency, they embody our dedication to excellence in shoreline protection and waterway maintenance.”
Lasse Petterson, President and CEO of Great Lakes, emphasized the Company’s vision:
“Our commitment to leveraging advanced technologies continues to drive our mission of maintaining and enhancing U.S. shorelines and waterways. These Multi Cat vessels are key to ensuring safe and efficient dredging solutions.”
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock: A Legacy of Excellence
The Largest Dredging Provider in the U.S.
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation is the nation’s largest provider of dredging services, with over 134 years of industry experience. The Company’s expertise spans shoreline restoration, waterway maintenance, and offshore wind energy projects.
A Cutting-Edge Fleet and Skilled Workforce
Great Lakes operates the most diverse dredging fleet in the U.S., with approximately 200 specialized vessels. Their highly trained engineers ensure project success through disciplined training programs and industry-leading safety protocols, such as the Incident-and Injury-Free® (IIF®) program.
Key Features of the Cape Hatteras and Cape Canaveral
- Length: 99 feet
- Type: Damen 3013 Multi Cat vessels
- Builder: Conrad Shipyard, Morgan City, Louisiana
- Safety Features: On-deck pipe handling to minimize overboard tasks
- Efficiency Boost: Eliminates need for additional floating support vessels
- Environmental Focus: Reduced operational footprint
Forward-Looking Statements
This article contains forward-looking statements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could result in outcomes differing materially from expectations. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update these statements unless required by law.
For more information, refer to Great Lakes’ filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Conclusion
The Cape Hatteras and Cape Canaveral Multi Cat vessels showcase Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation’s leadership in maritime innovation and safety. By integrating advanced technologies and eco-conscious practices, the Company continues to set industry benchmarks for excellence in dredging operations.