Posted on February 2, 2026
The newest addition to the Manson Construction Co. fleet — the hopper dredge FREDERICK PAUP — departed the Seatrium AmFELS shipyard in Brownsville, Texas, on January 27, 2026, bound for Mobile, Alabama.
Representing Manson’s largest single investment since its founding in 1905, the FREDERICK PAUP is the largest self-propelled hopper dredge ever constructed in the United States. Designed in collaboration with Hockema Whalen Myers Associates, Inc., of Seattle, Washington, and built by Seatrium AmFELS in Brownsville, Texas, this Jones Act vessel reflects the strength of American engineering, shipbuilding, and maritime craftsmanship.
With a hopper capacity of 15,150 cubic yards, the dredge was designed and constructed with next-generation capabilities, enhanced safety systems, increased speed and capacity, and improved fuel efficiency — positioning Manson at the forefront of maritime innovation.
Key Design and Operational Features
- Largest in the U.S.: 420-foot length x 81-foot beam, with a hopper capacity exceeding 15,150 cubic yards
- Powerful and Agile: 25,000 horsepower, triple azimuthing stern drives, and twin bow thrusters
- Advanced Systems: Dynamic Positioning, integrated dredging systems, and comprehensive power management
- Sustainable Design: Tier 4 diesel-electric engines and an optimized hull form to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency
“Over the last five-plus years we have had an outstanding group of Manson people and key business partners working together to make this dredge a reality,” said Manson CEO & President Jim McNally. “I am very proud of those people and this dredge.”
The FREDERICK PAUP will immediately begin work in Mobile, Alabama, performing maintenance dredging for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Mobile District navigation projects — ensuring reliable access for deep-draft vessels and safeguarding the marine transportation system.
“This dredge is the culmination of years of work by our dedicated team, and I am honored to bear its name,” said Manson Chairman of the Board Frederick Paup. “We are proud that it is U.S.-built, U.S.-flagged, and U.S.-crewed, and that it will support the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ mission of keeping the marine transportation highway open throughout the United States.”
As the vessel transitions directly from the shipyard to critical navigation work, Dredging Contractors of America CEO William P. Doyle added:
“This is more than a vessel delivery — it’s an investment in American shipyards, American mariners, American companies, American engineering, and the long-term resilience of our port and navigation infrastructure. Congratulations to Manson Construction, Seatrium AmFELS Brownsville, and all the skilled trades who made this possible.”
The FREDERICK PAUP stands as a powerful symbol of continued investment in the Jones Act, U.S. maritime capacity, critical infrastructure, and the sustainability of our nation’s waterways.
