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, marking a milestone for the U.S. maritime and dredging industry.
Representing Manson’s largest single investment since its founding in 1905, the FREDERICK PAUP is now recognized as the largest self-propelled hopper dredge ever constructed in the United States. The vessel was designed in collaboration with Hockema Whalen Myers Associates, Inc., of Seattle, Washington, and constructed by Seatrium AmFELS in Brownsville, Texas. As a fully compliant Jones Act vessel, it highlights the continued strength of American shipbuilding, engineering expertise, and maritime labor.
With a hopper capacity of 15,150 cubic yards, the dredge incorporates next-generation technologies, enhanced safety features, greater operating speed and capacity, and improved fuel efficiency — advancements that position Manson at the leading edge of modern dredging capability.
“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 vessel will move directly into active service upon arrival in Alabama, supporting U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Mobile District navigation projects. Its initial assignments will focus on maintenance dredging to ensure reliable access for deep-draft commercial vessels and to safeguard critical segments of the nation’s marine transportation network.
“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.”
Industry leaders say the delivery of the FREDERICK PAUP represents more than the launch of a single vessel — it signals renewed investment in domestic maritime capacity at a time of growing demand for resilient ports and waterways.
As the dredge transitions from the shipyard to operational deployment, Dredging Contractors of America CEO William P. Doyle emphasized the broader economic significance:
“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 is expected to play a key role in maintaining federal navigation channels, supporting coastal protection initiatives, and strengthening supply chain reliability. Maritime analysts note that investments of this scale help ensure the United States retains the domestic fleet capacity required to meet both commercial and national security needs.
The vessel stands as a powerful symbol of continued commitment to the Jones Act, U.S. maritime jobs, and the sustainability of America’s waterways, reinforcing the strategic importance of dredging to trade and economic growth.
Originally reported by Dredgewire.
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