Conrad cuts steel for first U.S.-built Multi-Cats

Left to Right: Dan Conrad – Conrad Sr VP, Dan Gaiennie – GLDD Director Engineering New Builds, Brad Breaux – Conrad Program Manager, Vidar Lindmoen – GLDD New Build Project/Program Director, David Johanson – GLDD Sr Vice President Projects & Area Operations Gulf of Mexico, Col. Stephen F. Murphy – USACE, Brett Wolbrink – Conrad Chief Operating Officer, Francisco Bermudez – GLDD Program Manager, Mark Wingate – USACE

Conrad Shipyard has hosted a steel cutting ceremony for Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company (GLDD). The ceremony, held at Conrad’s shipyard in Morgan City, La., signifies the start of construction of the first two Damen-designed Multi-Cat vessels to be built in the U.S. Deliveries are scheduled for the third and fourth quarters of 2022.

The two identical vessels are each 98.92 feet in length and are powered by three Caterpillar C32 TTA engines capable of meeting speeds of 10.2 knots. Equipped with large winches and deck cranes, the vessels will have a maximum bollard pull of 31.75 short tons.

According to David Johanson, GLDD’s senior vice president of project and area operations for the Gulf of Mexico, the new vessels eliminate the need for assorted floating support equipment such as derrick barges, towboats and anchor barges.

“The Multi-cats also significantly increase operational safety—enabling hose and pipe maintenance works to take place securely on deck reducing the risk of manoverboards compared to standard industry methods utilizing floating pontoons. This will improve our operational efficiency,” Johanson said.

“We are pleased to be constructing multiple vessels for GLDD and we value the continued confidence that GLDD has shown in Conrad and in our talented workforce—not only in new construction but also in repair,” said Brett Wolbrink, Conrad executive vice president and chief operating officer, in remarks at the ceremony. “It is our pleasure to work with your team, and it is our honor to build these unique and versatile vessels for you.”