Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (GLDD) has proudly announced that its state-of-the-art Multi Cat dredge support vessels, Cape Hatteras and Cape Canaveral, have been named the 2024 Significant Boat of the Year at the prestigious International WorkBoat Show.
This recognition highlights GLDD’s leadership in innovation, safety, and efficiency within the dredging and maritime industries.
Why the Multi Cat Vessels Earned the 2024 Significant Boat of the Year Award
The Cape Hatteras and Cape Canaveral vessels set new industry standards with their innovative design and advanced technology. Built by Conrad Shipyard in Morgan City, Louisiana, these 99-foot Damen 3013 Multi Cat vessels are tailored to enhance operational safety and efficiency, addressing key challenges in dredging operations.
Cutting-Edge Features of the Cape Hatteras and Cape Canaveral
- State-of-the-Art Safety Enhancements
The vessels introduce a design that allows pipe handling and connection work to be completed securely on deck, reducing the risk of man-overboard incidents and improving overall safety. - Enhanced Operational Efficiency
Their design eliminates the need for additional floating support vessels, resulting in streamlined operations and lower environmental impact. - Advanced Navigation and Communication Systems
Equipped with modern technology, the vessels ensure safe and effective execution of complex dredging projects.
A Milestone in U.S. Maritime Construction
These vessels are the first Damen Multi Cats built in the United States, showcasing a major achievement in domestic shipbuilding. Their construction by Conrad Shipyard demonstrates the capacity for U.S. shipyards to produce globally competitive dredging support vessels.
GLDD’s Commitment to Innovation and Safety
Chris Gunsten, Senior Vice President of Project Services and Fleet Engineering at GLDD, praised the vessels, stating:
“These vessels represent a milestone for our company and the dredging industry. The Multi Cat design introduces critical safety enhancements by enabling pipe handling and connection work to take place securely on deck, significantly reducing the risk of man-overboard incidents.”
How These Multi Cat Vessels Support Dredging Operations
The Cape Hatteras and Cape Canaveral are designed to:
- Enhance Safety
By enabling key tasks to be performed on deck, the vessels minimize hazards and reduce reliance on manual labor. - Boost Efficiency
Their design eliminates the need for supplementary floating vessels, improving project timelines and reducing costs. - Minimize Environmental Impact
With reduced vessel requirements and efficient operations, these vessels lower their ecological footprint.
Advanced Features for Complex Dredging Projects
Both vessels come equipped with the latest in maritime technology, ensuring:
- Seamless Navigation in challenging environments.
- Effective Communication Systems for coordinated operations.
- Operational Versatility to adapt to diverse dredging needs.
Conclusion: A New Era for Dredging Support Vessels
The Cape Hatteras and Cape Canaveral represent a significant leap forward in dredging support vessel design. Their recognition as the 2024 Significant Boat of the Year solidifies GLDD’s position as an industry leader committed to safety, efficiency, and innovation.