OFFSHORE ENERGY
How GLDD Will Impact The Offshore Energy Industry
GLDD is fully engaged in the rapidly developing offshore energy market in the U.S. Our first step in this effort is the investment into the build of the first U.S.-flagged Jones Act-compliant, subsea rock installation vessel (SRI) for wind turbine foundations. Currently under construction, our SRI vessel will set new standards for efficiency and innovation with its large capacity, accurate placement technology and cutting-edge battery and alternative fuel systems. This unique, technologically advanced vessel is an essential step towards building the marine infrastructure required for this new industry, which holds so much promise for our nation economically and environmentally. This vessel will service US and global expanding offshore energy industries, protection deployment for critical subsea infrastructure and marine terminal stabilization.
SUBSEA INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION
Comprehensive solutions for protection of subsea power, data, and telecommunications cables and pipelines critical to the function of today’s complex economies.
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) is a leading U.S. marine provider of dredging and subsea rock installation services.
Available for the U.S. and European shallow water in 2025
- One-stop shop for armor rock protection for subsea cables and pipelines
- Integrated relationships with acoustic technology providers
- Existing relationship with U.S. government
- Established long-term service provider for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Services scalable and flexible to meet client needs
- Established high volume armor rock supply chains
- Flexible contracting and relationship models
- Remote monitoring and data analytics
GLDD…
…is a leading U.S. dredging and subsea infrastructure services provider for 135 years that owns and operates approximately 200 vessels
…has strong and international experience in port deepening, shore protection, barrier islands, land reclamation, and subsea rock installation
…has a long-standing relationship with the U.S. Government
The Acadia
Best-in-class, low emission rock installation vessel.
The Acadia has been designed with state-of-the-art technology, equipment, environmental controls, and automation.
The design is classed by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and built with best-in-class safety, environmental, and emissions standards.
The recent damage to subsea infrastructure has had a significant economic impact, with global industries, including energy, telecommunications, and transportation, facing billions of dollars in losses. This damage often results from a variety of threats, including natural disasters, mechanical failures, and deliberate sabotage, all of which can disrupt vital services and economic activity.
Heavy Armor Rock Berms
To physically protect subsea infrastructure, GLDD utilizes heavy armor rock berms. These reinforced rock barriers are strategically placed around critical assets like pipelines, cables, and platforms to shield them from external impacts. The rock berms can withstand harsh underwater conditions, including strong currents and potential physical impacts from ships, anchors, or even natural events like storms.
These integrated solutions are designed to minimize the risks posed to subsea infrastructure, reduce downtime, and ultimately protect the broader economic interests dependent on these systems. As threats to subsea infrastructure become more complex and frequent, the role of advanced protective measures, like those provided by GLDD, will become increasingly critical in safeguarding both assets and economies worldwide.
GLDD’s Critical Role in Realizing Offshore Energy’s Potential
Subsea rock installation is the most effective means of providing long-term scour protection. It is required to stabilize the sea floor around marine structures from the momentous kinetic energy of the ocean eroding away critical structural foundation base. With the first, and only, Jones-Act compliant subsea rock installation vessel under construction at the Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia, GLDD is helping to strengthen the foundations for U.S. offshore energies.
Among its leading-edge technologies to better protect the environment, the vessel will have EPA Tier 4-compliant engines, a battery energy storage system to shave peak loads, and plug-in capability to obtain shore power while loading. Additionally, it will be able to run on biofuel, reducing the ship’s CO2, SOx and overall hydrocarbon footprint and will be equipped with active emissions control technology to mitigate NOx emissions.
Best-in-Class, Purpose-Built Offshore Energy Construction Vessel
World-renowned engineering firm Ulstein Design and Solutions B.V. was commissioned by GLDD to design the vessel using state-of-the-art technology, equipment, environmental controls, and automation. The design has been reviewed and approved by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and will be built with best-in-class safety, environmental, and emissions standards. It is expected to be sea-ready in 2025.
Our SRI vessel will be awarded the ABS SUSTAIN-2 Notation, recognizing adherence to certain UN Sustainable Development Goals related to vessel design, outfitting, and layout. The ABS SUSTAIN Notations establish a pathway for sustainability certification and reporting.
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
The vessel represents a critical advancement in building the future of the new U.S. offshore energy industry, including establishing a U.S.-based rock supply chain network spanning eastern seaboard states with active offshore energy leases, which is expected to spur additional job growth and regional economic opportunities.
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
The vessel represents a critical advancement in building the future of the new U.S. offshore energy industry, including establishing a U.S.-based rock supply chain network spanning eastern seaboard states with active offshore energy leases – expected to spur additional job growth and regional economic opportunities.
Building on Over a Century of Experience
As the leading U.S. dredging company with more than 130 years’ experience and expertise in dredging, marine engineering, specialized vessel design and safe offshore operations, GLDD is harnessing the best practices from its long history to create a new dimension to its legacy. Most importantly, GLDD employs among the industry’s highest safety standards and quality control protocols to all the projects it undertakes.
GLDD is optimally positioned to expand the scope of its core business into the offshore energy industry. From deep technical and operational expertise to insight, knowledge, and established relationships, GLDD has the experience to navigate the business, regulatory, and government landscape.
