Seatrium has completed the delivery of the Frederick Paup, described as the largest self-propelled trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD) in the United States, for Manson Construction Company. The Jones Act-compliant vessel was constructed at the Seatrium AmFELS shipyard in Brownsville, Texas, and is slated for deployment in Mobile, Alabama.
According to Seatrium, the vessel, "sets a new benchmark for the US dredging industry," due to its capacity to dredge and redeposit material at "unprecedented rates".
The Frederick Paup measures 420 feet (128 metres) in length with an 81 foot (25 metres) beam and has a hopper capacity of more than 15,000 cubic yards (11,468 cubic metres). Seatrium noted that its project scope included hull fabrication, systems integration, commissioning, and vessel completion.
The TSHD is powered by 25,000 horsepower (18,642 kilowatts) and is equipped with triple azimuthing stern drives and twin bow thrusters.
The vessel incorporates IMO tier four diesel-electric engines and an advanced hull form. Technical systems include dynamic positioning, power management, and integrated dredging systems.
Seatrium stated the Frederick Paup will play a role in navigation channels, beach nourishment, and coastal restoration projects. These operations are intended to support the US Army Corps of Engineers goal of achieving 70 per cent beneficial reuse of dredged material by 2030.