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…

DCA’s William P. Doyle and U.S. Maritime Administrator Stephen Carmel met Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at U.S. DOT- MARAD Headquarters in Washington, DC. 

They discussed dredging, the Jones Act, and the promising outlook for the American-flag maritime industry.  Captain Carmel is off to a great start. With deep commercial-sector experience including at sea, he is exceptionally well suited for MARAD’s role and the mission ahead.  Strong meeting, strong momentum, and…

Largo, Florida company brings over twenty years of dredging and environmental restoration expertise to DCA

The Dredging Contractors of America (DCA) is proud to welcome Gator Dredging, headquartered in Largo, Florida, as the newest member of the association. Founded in 2005 by William Coughlin (Engineer) and Philip Findlay (General Contractor), Gator Dredging combines engineering expertise with a commitment to environmental stewardship.  For over twenty years, Gator Dredging has…

The Dredging Contractors of America congratulates Adam Telle on his confirmation by the U.S. Senate as Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works (ASACW). The Senate approved his nomination by a 72–22 vote on Saturday, August 4, 2025, just before adjourning for the summer recess. President Donald J. Trump nominated Mr. Telle on March 24, 2025.

We look forward to working with him as he…

The United States maritime industry is experiencing an historic resurgence, driven by a coordinated effort from both Congress and the Executive Branch to rebuild domestic capacity, ensure fair competition, and bolster national security. This report provides a detailed overview of recent developments shaping the future of U.S. maritime power—from the rapid growth and investment in the Jones Act dredging sector, to sweeping federal policies targeting unfair foreign…

The U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services, through the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025, tasked the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) with assessing how reduced dredging capacity may have impacted designated strategic seaports. In response, USTRANSCOM submitted a report titled Dredging and the Strategic Seaport Program, which has recently been declassified and made available to the public. The report outlines operational impacts, identifies root causes…

In a series of board and membership meetings last week the Dredging Contractors of America (DCA) unanimously voted to accept Harry Stewart as the President of the DCA Board of Directors and Travis Boone as its Senior Vice President.  Harry Stewart is the President and CEO of San Rafael, California based The Dutra Group.  Travis Boone is President and CEO of Houston, Texas based Orion Group…

On April 9, 2025, U.S. President Donald J. Trump issued a sweeping executive order (EO) to revitalize U.S. maritime power.  The purpose of the EO is to set forth a policy to revitalize and rebuild domestic maritime industries and workforce to promote national security and economic prosperity.  Many provisions in the EO set 30-day to 210-day time lines for various cabinet secretaries and agency heads to develop…

In this insightful discussion, Bill Doyle, CEO of the Dredging Contractors of America, shares his extensive experience in the maritime industry, covering topics from shipbuilding investments, port expansions, and national security concerns to the future of American shipping and dredging operations.

Key Takeaways from the Video

• Major Investments in U.S. Shipping: CMA…
  

The Dredging Contractors of America welcomes Dean Marine & Excavating, Inc. (Dean Marine) to the association.  Dean Marine, based in Mt. Clemens Michigan, has a long history of dredging and has successfully completed many dredging projects in various locations throughout the Great Lakes.  Dean Marine’s services also include shoreline restoration, marine towing, tug assistance, barge services, marine salvage, crane services, sheet pile installation, break wall and seawall installation…