VESSEL REVIEW | General Bradley – Callan Marine welcomes new large cutter suction dredger to fleet

Galveston, Texas-based marine projects company Callan Marine recently welcomed a newbuild large cutter suction dredger (CSD) to its fleet.

Named after famed American World War II general Omar Bradley, General Bradley was built by Halimar Shipyard in Morgan City, Louisiana, and will be used primarily on Callan Marine's brown water maintenance and capital dredging projects along the US Gulf Coast. The vessel will immediately commence work at the Port Bolivar Ferry Landing for the Texas Department of Transportation.

The new dredger has a length of 341 feet (103 metres), a beam of 54 feet (16.4 metres), a full load draught of 6.5 feet (two metres), a maximum digging depth of 60 feet (18.2 metres), and a dredge pipe diameter of 28 inches (711 millimetres). The CSD's dimensions make it the largest vessel in the Callan Marine dredging fleet, surpassing the 2020-built, 290- by 72-foot (88- by 22-metre) General MacArthur.

The diesel-electric driven CSD is equipped with three Anglo Belgian Corporation 12DZC engines that supply 9,260 hp (6,905 kW) combined. It also features advanced production automation and monitoring systems. The onboard electronics include a US Coast Guard-certified AIS, a dredge quality management system, and VHF radios. Wifi connectivity is also available.

A particular feature of the dredger is the flexible spud carrier with hydraulic buffering including a spud pole tilting device, which makes it possible to work longer in certain sea conditions and increases mobilisation flexibility.

The key dredging components and systems were designed by MOTAS Dredging Solutions and supplied by APT Offshore. MOTAS was also responsible for the full dredging design and engineering work as well as project management and commissioning.

Click here for more news stories, feature articles, and vessel reviews as part of this month's focus on marine projects.