Dredging
Weeks Marine Orders $60 Million Cutter Suction Dredge
Weeks Marine Inc. (WMI), a construction contractor with extensive dredging and coastal restoration experience in the Gulf of Mexico, has ordered a $60 million ocean-going, 30-inch hydraulic cutter suction dredge.
The dredge’s namesake, J. Stephen Chatry, is senior vice president and manager of WMI’s Dredging Division.
JS Chatry is 310 feet long and 72 feet wide. Her pumps are powered by Tier IV diesel electric engines. Those engines and others provide 23,269 total installed horsepower, with 3,000 hp on the cutterhead. When the dredge is not offshore, it is equipped with a walking spud carriage for work in inlets and in protected waters. It can house up to 52 people onboard.
Construction is underway at C&C Marine and Repair in Belle Chase (LA) and, according Weeks, should be completed "sometime after 2018".
In 2011, WMI announced a five-dredge $200 million-plus capital investment initiative. The JS Chatry will be WMI’s sixth major dredging capital expenditure since that announcement. This fall, the $110 million 8,500 cubic yard hopper dredge Magdalen will be christened in New York. She is now in the water being fitted out and preparing for sea trials.
The Magdalen will become WMI’s third hopper dredge. Described by WMI as its "largest, fastest, most fuel efficient, most powerful pumping, and most highly automated hopper dredge," Magdalen will double the company’s hopper dredge capacity.
"While the national coastal restoration and protection market is growing, we are especially optimistic about the market here in Louisiana," said Richard S. Weeks, WMI President. "I am also very happy and proud that our newest dredge is named for Steve. He is a life-long Louisianan and has been a key member of our team as we have grown the business in Louisiana and throughout the United States."
Bow and side views of WMI’s future cutter suction dredge JS Chatry
Source/ Weeks Marine Inc.