- Acadia is the first U.S.-flagged, Jones Act-compliant subsea rock installation vessel, designed to support offshore wind infrastructure.
- Built at Hanwha Philly Shipyard, the vessel has contracts secured through 2026 and will start operations with the Empire Wind I project in New York.
- Its construction generated over a million manhours of U.S.-based labor, contributing significantly to domestic maritime employment and industry growth.
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (NASDAQ: GLDD) has officially launched the Acadia at Hanwha Philly Shipyard, marking a major advancement in the American maritime and offshore wind sectors. The vessel is the first of its kind in the U.S. fleet — a Jones Act-compliant subsea rock installation vessel (SRI) designed to lay up to 20,000 metric tons of rock on the seabed to protect critical infrastructure such as offshore wind turbine foundations, cables, and pipelines.
Strategic Role and Operational Plans
The Acadia will begin work immediately after delivery, with its first assignment being rock installation for the Empire Wind I project off the coast of New York. The vessel has contracts in place through 2026, and Great Lakes is already engaging with clients for post-2027 projects. As the centerpiece of the company’s offshore energy growth strategy, the Acadia will play a key role in accelerating U.S. offshore wind deployment.
Economic and Workforce Impact
Construction of the vessel involved more than one million manhours, employing labor from states including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Louisiana, and using American steel sourced from Ohio. The project created numerous high-paying jobs, and once operational, the vessel will continue to support U.S. mariners and maritime workers.
Great Lakes’ Legacy and Sector Expansion
With over 135 years of experience, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation remains the country’s leading dredging services provider. Operating a fleet of about 200 specialized vessels, the company is now expanding into offshore energy to diversify its operations and tap into the fast-growing wind energy market.
Hanwha’s U.S. Shipbuilding Expansion and Orders
Hanwha’s acquisition of the historic Philly Shipyard in December signaled the first Korean shipbuilder establishing operations in the U.S. In addition to building the Acadia, the shipyard recently secured an LNG carrier order from Hanwha Shipping — the first such U.S.-ordered export vessel in nearly 50 years. Hanwha’s current orderbook also includes five National Security Multi-Mission Vessels (two already delivered) for the U.S. Maritime Administration and three containerships for Matson.
Policy Context and National Maritime Revitalization
The launch of the Acadia comes at a time of renewed emphasis on strengthening U.S. maritime capabilities. It aligns with President Trump’s recent “Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance” executive order, which seeks to reduce reliance on foreign maritime infrastructure and reinforce America’s competitiveness in the global shipping industry.
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Source: gCaptain
