Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation Launches First U.S. Flagged Subsea Rock Installation Vessel
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation, the leading provider of dredging services in the United States, has unveiled the first U.S. flagged, Jones Act-compliant subsea rock installation (SRI) vessel named Acadia. The vessel was launched at Hanwha Philly Shipyard, marking a significant milestone in the offshore energy industry.
The Acadia vessel is specifically designed to transport and precisely install up to 20,000 metric tons of rock on the seabed. This rock serves as crucial scour protection for subsea infrastructure such as subsea cables for power transmission, telecommunications cables, oil and gas pipelines, subsea structures, and offshore wind turbine foundations. It helps prevent erosion caused by waves, currents, and mechanical impacts from equipment and vessels, ensuring the longevity and stability of these structures.
Anticipated to be delivered early in 2026, the Acadia project has not only contributed to the technological advancement in the offshore energy sector but has also generated over one million manhours of high-paying jobs during its construction. The vessel’s steel was sourced from Ohio, with labor from various states including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Louisiana, showcasing a collaborative effort across the nation.
Upon completion, the Acadia will employ U.S. mariners for years to come, further strengthening the domestic market. Great Lakes has also set its sights on expanding the vessel’s market focus to international offshore energy development opportunities, demonstrating its commitment to global growth and innovation.
Commenting on the launch, Lasse Petterson, President and CEO of Great Lakes, expressed his excitement for the Acadia’s upcoming delivery and its pivotal role in the company’s offshore energy growth strategy. The vessel is set to commence operations immediately after leaving the shipyard, with plans to work on various projects including the Empire Wind I offshore wind farm in New York.
Eleni Beyko, Senior Vice President of Offshore Energy at Great Lakes, highlighted the significance of the Acadia’s launch, emphasizing the company’s proactive approach in securing new engagements for offshore energy projects beyond 2026. The vessel’s versatility and capabilities position it as a key player in the evolving landscape of offshore energy development.