Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation Enhances U.S. Dredging Capabilities with New Jones Act-Compliant Vessel

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (NASDAQ: GLDD) has taken delivery of its newest Jones Act-compliant hopper dredge, the Amelia Island, from Conrad Shipyard in Louisiana. The 346-foot vessel represents a significant advancement in U.S. dredging capabilities, featuring 16,500 total horsepower, advanced automation systems, and low-emission Tier IV engines that meet modern environmental standards. With a substantial 6,330-cubic-yard hopper capacity, the Amelia Island is specifically designed to operate efficiently in shallow and narrow U.S. waterways, addressing critical infrastructure maintenance needs.

The acquisition of this state-of-the-art vessel completes the company's newbuild program, resulting in what CEO Lasse Petterson describes as the largest and most advanced hopper fleet in the nation. The immediate deployment of the Amelia Island for projects scheduled through 2026 underscores the vessel's strategic importance in maintaining and improving the country's waterway infrastructure. This expansion comes at a crucial time when the United States faces increasing demands for dredging services to support commercial shipping, port maintenance, and coastal protection projects.

The company's commitment to technological innovation is evident in the vessel's design, which incorporates cutting-edge automation that enhances operational efficiency and safety. The Tier IV compliant engines not only reduce environmental impact but also position the company to meet increasingly stringent emissions regulations. These features make the Amelia Island particularly valuable for projects in environmentally sensitive areas where traditional dredging operations might face regulatory challenges.

The timing of this delivery is significant given the increased focus on infrastructure investment and maintenance across the United States. The vessel's immediate assignment to projects through 2026 demonstrates the strong demand for dredging services and the company's strategic positioning to capitalize on this market need. The hopper dredge's capabilities are particularly important for maintaining navigation channels, supporting port operations, and executing coastal restoration projects that require precise and efficient sediment management.

For additional information about the company and its operations, visit https://gldd.com/. The vessel's advanced features and immediate deployment schedule reflect the ongoing importance of maintaining and modernizing the nation's waterway infrastructure to support economic activity and environmental sustainability.