Posted on January 23, 2026
Another powerful signal that American shipbuilding is moving forward. Yesterday, Seatrium AmFELS, Inc. (Brownsville, Texas) delivered the TSHD Frederick Paup to Manson Construction Co. (Seattle) — now the largest self-propelled trailing suction hopper dredge ever built in the United States.
Designed by Manson in partnership with Hockema Group (Seattle), the vessel measures 420’ x 81’, draws 28’6”, and features a hopper capacity exceeding 15,000 cubic yards.
Key specifications:
• ~25,000 horsepower
• Wabtec Corporation‘s Three Tier 4 Wabtec 16V250MDC diesel-electric main engines
• Triple Schottel RudderPropellers (510 L FP) azimuthing stern drives
• Twin Brunvoll bow thrusters
• Two 12V250MDC Wabtec gensets
• American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)-classed with dynamic positioning, integrated dredging systems, and advanced power management
• Full Furuno electronics suite and modern navigation systems
The Jones Act–compliant newbuild surpasses Manson’s 13,500-cu.-yd. Glenn Edwards (built in 2006 by Alabama Shipyard) as the largest U.S.-built hopper dredge to date.
William Doyle, CEO of the Dredging Contractors of America said:
“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 Seatrium AmFELS, Manson, and all the skilled trades who made this possible.”
