Manson Construction Co.

Crew of Manson’s Hopper Dredge NEWPORT Rescues Swimmers Near Ship Island

On Sunday, May 17, at 12:45 p.m., NEWPORT Able Seaman Nate Horrocks was on deck when he spotted two people in the water waving for help near the Gulfport Channel in Gulfport, Mississippi. He immediately alerted the rest of the NEWPORT crew, and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) was notified.

Mate Dale Sweeney and Assistant Engineer Ian Nichols quickly launched the vessel’s rescue boat, ROGUE, and headed toward the swimmers.

After reaching the two young girls and bringing them safely aboard, Dale and Ian learned there was a third person missing from their group. They quickly located the final swimmer and successfully brought them to safety as well.

All three swimmers were aboard NEWPORT by 12:55 p.m. and were later transferred safely to the USCG. The group took the Ferry Service to Ship Island and had entered the water for a swim before currents swept them toward the channel.

Great work by the NEWPORT crew, especially Nate Horrocks, Dale Sweeney, and Ian Nichols.

The Oakland Inner & Outer Harbor FY25 project is complete!

Manson’s derrick barge (DB) NJORD mobilized to the San Francisco Bay Area to begin dredging operations at the Oakland Seaport’s Outer Harbor in January. After finishing up at the Outer Harbor, the DB NJORD transitioned to the Inner Harbor in early March and completed the project in early May with zero safety incidents.

An important project for the USACE San Francisco District, the dredge work maintains the appropriate depth for both Inner and Outer Harbor navigation channels that transport 99% of Northern California's goods through the Port of Oakland and trade routes to the Pacific.

Congratulations to the project team on a safe and successful project.

Thanks to Will Ferrell for the photo!

Manson's P-224 Causeway, Boat Channel and Turning Basin & P-226 Ammunition Pier project was awarded the Gold-Level John L. Martin Partnering Project of the Year Award by the International Partnering Institute (IPI).

This award recognizes teams who distinguish themselves by implementing IPI’s best practices of collaborative partnership that fosters high trust and success on projects nationwide.

The P-224 Causeway, Boat Channel and Turning Basin & P-226 Ammunition Pier involved the creation of a new public navigation channel in Anaheim Bay to separate Navy traffic from civilian boat traffic, providing secure and safe passage for both parties. In addition to the new navigation channel, the project involved the replacement of an aging ammunition pier, the construction of waterfront support facilities and a causeway, including a truck turnaround area at the wharf.

Learn more about the project here. https://ow.ly/UEpN50Z0ihc

Last month, Manson’s NorCal Piledriver Joe Karinen and his team claimed the top prize at the Piledriving Contractors Association (PDCA) Pacific Coast Chapter’s 15th Annual Scholarship Shoot, held in Birds Landing, CA.

Over 130 contestants from construction firms and small businesses across California spent the morning shooting clay pigeons and targets. After the awards ceremony, participants enjoyed an afternoon of networking over a BBQ lunch, alongside a prize raffle.

The event helps fund the PDCA Pacific Coast Scholarship Award, which provides educational and training support for high school and college students pursuing careers in piledriving throughout the Pacific Coast region. Notably, one student—who was mentored by Manson Norcal Project Sponsor Kelly Blythe—was awarded the scholarship in 2024, and an incoming Manson intern has applied for the scholarship for 2026.

“This is not only a fun event, but organizations in the construction industry come together to contribute funds that directly benefit the future of piledriving,” Kelly says.