Weeks Marine, Inc.

In honor of National Intern Day, we appreciate the value that all our interns bring to our organization. Today, we’re spotlighting Jalen Keaton, an intern on the construction side of our business. Jalen learned about Weeks Marine when we visited SUNY Delhi college during his freshman year to speak to students about marine construction. His favorite part of his internship so far? “The people I work with. Not only do they act as teachers and mentors, but as a family as well. They make me feel included and make it a joy to come to work every day.” When he's not on site assisting project engineers with compliance, speaking with vendors and subcontractors, or creating work plans, he enjoys playing video games, cooking, reading, working out or playing board games.

Weeks Marine Superintendent Kenneth Machacek was selected as a recipient of the 2024 Western Dredging Association’s (WEDA) Dredger on Deck Award! Each year, the Dredger on Deck Award is awarded to on-site operating and/or supervisory personnel overseeing dredging operations. The award recognizes the recipient’s contributions and value to the dredging community over the years. Kenneth started with Weeks Marine in 2001 supervising dredge work, laying pipelines, and preparing for project start-ups. As one of Weeks’ most trusted dredging experts, Kenneth currently oversees three different bull gang crews for several of our projects. Kenneth also works with engineering to layout the pipeline routes and booster locations to maximize the flow and production of material from the borrow area to the placement site or beach. “I am very honored to have been chosen to receive the prestigious Dredger on Deck Award from the Western Dredging Association (WEDA).” What's his favorite part of working at Weeks Marine? “Everyone is treated like family and management always gives us the support we need to get our jobs done safely and productively. We work hard and are given the best tools and resources so everyone goes home at the end of the day.” Congratulations, Kenneth!

Have a safe and fun Fourth of July!

📸 Ponte Vedra, Florida

Today, we pause in remembrance and gratitude for the brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice serving our country. From all of us at Weeks Marine, have a safe Memorial Day.

It’s always important to remember that safety is a team effort and that valuing every voice could ultimately save a life. We hope that #ConstructionSafetyWeek sparked some great discussions on how we can keep ourselves and our colleagues safe every day.

Construction Safety Week kicks off today. Here at Weeks Marine, safety is at the forefront of all of our operations. Our top priority is making sure everyone returns home safely to their families. This week, we continue our commitment to valuing each other’s voices so that everyone feels empowered to speak up. By connecting, encouraging, communicating and listening to our people, we are fostering an environment where every voice matters and feels heard. Most importantly, when we value everyone’s voice, we create a safer work environment. #ConstructionSafetyWeek

For decades, Weeks Marine has played a vital role in protecting and strengthening America’s coastal zones. Our North Ponte Vedra Beach Renourishment Project is just one example of our coastal restoration efforts. We recently kicked off the project in St. Johns County, Florida, where we will work on placing two million cubic yards of sand along nine miles of the Ponte Vedra Beach shoreline. The project will restore storm-damaged dunes and berms and provide storm protection to upland infrastructure. This effort will also add more environmental habitats for wildlife and provide a better experience for visitors. The newest hopper in our dredging fleet, the R.B. Weeks, is currently on the project and will be joined by her sister vessel, the Magdalen, at the end of April. Work is expected to be completed by the end of June 2024.

Last week, Weeks Marine returned the Concorde to the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum following a seven-month restoration project. Weeks was once again trusted to transport the retired supersonic jet, having delivered it initially to the museum in October 2008 and then to the Brooklyn Navy Yard for its restoration in August 2023. The supersonic jet began its journey on March 13, 2024, with a barge trip down the East River and was docked overnight at the Weeks Marine facility in Jersey City, NJ. The next morning, it continued up the Hudson River to Pier 86. With the help of the Weeks 533 crane and our skilled team’s expertise, the iconic aircraft arrived safe and sound at its final destination. Special thanks to the crew for their hard work on this project: Don Benesch Grayson Miller Chris Williams Eddie Hamilton Robinson Lopez Kevin De Los Rios Brian Krempecki Juan Alvarez Patrick Morris

Our #WICWeek24 celebration concludes with a spotlight on Colleen Brazil. Colleen is a project manager on our dredging team and has been with Weeks Marine since 2006. Chief Executive Officer and President at Weeks Marine Eric W. Ellefsen has worked with Colleen over the years and had this to say: “Colleen is an asset to our dredging team. I’m always impressed by how organized and well-run her projects are. She’s a key contributor in our operations meetings and often goes out of her way to acknowledge the efforts of her coworkers.” We asked Colleen what she likes most about working in the industry: “No two projects are ever the same. All our projects are similar in some ways, but they all have unique and different qualities. These differences can bring challenges to my job but also provide exciting opportunities to grow and develop in my career and position at Weeks Marine. I also enjoy the travel and opportunity to see different parts of our country along our coastline.” Her advice to women pursuing a career in dredging? “Work hard and learn as much as you can about your job and the project you are working on. This will not only help you build confidence but also gain the respect of your colleagues and coworkers, regardless of your gender. Always be honest with yourself and those you work with. Understand your strengths, but also be aware of your weaknesses. Learn from those around you, and never hesitate to ask questions when you are unsure of something.” When she’s not managing a project, Colleen loves being on the water, either at the beach or her family’s lake house. She enjoys swimming, boating, fishing, paddleboarding, traveling, hiking and spending time with her nieces.