Maintaining deep-draft shipping channels, removing 2,250,000 cubic yards of accumulated sediment, and ensuring unhindered international maritime commerce across Chesapeake Bay shipping lanes, Curtin Maritime Corp. has been awarded a $31,519,647 firm-fixed-price contract. The civil works operations and maintenance project finances maintenance dredging along deep-draft federal navigation channels serving the Port of Baltimore, Maryland, reaching a total cumulative face value of $31,671,147 if options are exercised.
Contract Details: At A Glance
| Contractor: | Curtin Maritime Corp. |
| Award Date: | September 29, 2026 |
| Contract Value: | $31,519,647 ($31,671,147 Cumulative Face Value) |
| Project: | Port of Baltimore Deep-Draft Navigation Channels Maintenance Dredging (2,250,000 CY) |
| Location: | Baltimore Harbor & Chesapeake Bay Channels, Maryland |
| Contract Number: | W912DR-26-C-A021 |
| Awarding District: | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District |
District Context & Mission Impact
This critical commercial navigation project is administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Baltimore District. The Baltimore District maintains 130 miles of federal navigation channels serving the Port of Baltimore, a top-tier U.S. port for roll-on/roll-off automotive cargo, heavy farm equipment, coal exports, and containerized freight. Continuous siltation gradually reduces depth in the 50-foot main ship channels, posing navigational hazards to ultra-large container vessels. Excavating approximately 2.25 million cubic yards of sediment restores authorized channel depths, maintains safe maritime transit, and supports economic supply chain movement throughout the mid-Atlantic region through spring 2027.
Contractor Spotlight & Industry Context
Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Curtin Maritime Corp. is an established marine construction and dredging contractor operating a modern fleet of high-efficiency mechanical clamshell dredges, heavy-duty tugboats, and dump scows. Bids were solicited via the internet with three competitive proposals received. Executing high-volume deep-water mechanical dredging in busy commercial shipping lanes requires large-capacity clamshell buckets, precision GPS positioning, heavy-duty split-hopper scows, and coordinated tug transportation to approved placement sites like Poplar Island or Masonville. Partnering leading marine contractors with USACE coastal engineers protects the long-term viability of the Port of Baltimore.
