GLDD Hopper Dredge Amelia Island Wabtec Power for the Ship and Dredge Pumps

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (GLDD), the largest provider of dredging services in the United States, late in the summer took delivery of its newest Jones Act-compliant hopper dredge, the Amelia Island from the Conrad Shipyard in Morgan City, Louisiana.

Amelia Island supports the GLDD’s vision of continued modernization and diversification of its fleet. Amelia Island is designed for efficient and safe operations along shallow and narrow waters throughout all U.S. coastlines. The vessel is approximately 346 feet in length, 69 feet in breadth, 23 feet in depth with 16,500 total horsepower installed courtesy Wabtec Marine L250/V250MDC Diesel Engines: 2 x 12V250MDC @ 1000 rpm (marine diesel engines), 2 x 6L250MDC @ 1000 rpm (dredge pumps).

The dredge features two 800mm trailing suction pipes capable of dredging depths up to 100 feet with a hopper capacity of 6,330 cu. yd. The main engines and generators are EPA Tier IV rated for low emissions. These vital capabilities of the Amelia Island position it at the forefront of modern dredges, allowing it to execute projects along all U.S. coasts, ports, channels, and coastal developments.

“The delivery of our sixth hopper dredge, the Amelia Island marks a significant milestone as our dredging newbuild program is now complete, leaving us with the largest and most advanced hopper fleet in the United States,” said Lasse Petterson, President and CEO, GLDD. Engineered with a high level of automation, this vessel is well suited for diverse operations such as beach renourishment, coastal protection, channel deepening, and maintenance dredging. Already with a full schedule for 2025 and 2026, the dredge will be going immediately to work.”

Amelia Island joins her sister ship, the Galveston Island, another modern dredge built to enhance vital maritime infrastructure nationwide and reaffirms our commitment with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and our dedication to the U.S. dredging industry.