The U .S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) deployed its shallow-draft hopper dredge MURDEN to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, this spring to conduct targeted dredging in the base harbor. The work aimed to restore safe navigation depths in areas affected by shoaling and to ensure continued access for military and commercial vessels.
The 156’x35’ split-hull hopper dredge MURDEN is designed to operate in shallow and restricted waters. It uses two drag arms to vacuum sediment from the harbor floor into its onboard hopper. Once full, the vessel offloads material at designated offshore sites or upland disposal areas.
Maj. Matthew Westcott, deputy district commander, USACE Jacksonville District, said the harbor had become too shallow in certain areas for larger vessels, including ferries loaded with personnel and vehicles.
Before operations began, USACE personnel conducted pre-dredge hydrographic and side-scan sonar surveys to identify areas of concern. Victor Nelson, master of the MURDEN, said the crew has focused on high-priority zones since dredging began in late March.
“This is a tedious job and the crews are focused. We have dredged a large area in a short time,” Nelson said in a USACE statement. He added that the project is operating 24 hours a day with two 8-hour crews and is expected to be completed within 45 to 60 days.
Westcott said the project serves three primary functions: re-opening the St. Nicholas Channel, preparing pier access for fuel barges, and updating navigational aids in collaboration with the Coast Guard.
Following the conclusion of the Guantanamo Bay project in late May, the MURDEN will transit to New Orleans for scheduled maintenance and repairs.
