ESG cuts steel for new USACE medium class hopper dredge

Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. (ESG), Panama City, Fla., has officially begun construction on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) new medium class hopper dredge with a ceremonial steel-cutting event. The milestone marks the start of a historic acquisition for the Corps, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining safe and navigable waterways. The event was attended by USACE Headquarters, North Atlantic Division, Marine Design Center, and Philadelphia District leadership as well as Royal IHC and Eastern Shipbuilding Group leadership. “The steel cutting of this highly advanced hopper dredge marks another milestone in Eastern Shipbuilding Group’s legacy of delivering world-class vessels,” said Joey D’Isernia, CEO of Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. “We are proud to partner with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Royal IHC to build a state-of-the-art dredge that will enhance our nation’s waterway infrastructure. Our team is committed to executing this program with the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and innovation.”

“This new dredge is going to play a critical role in helping us deliver our navigation mission, which enables maritime commerce to flow on our nation’s waterways. This strengthens our economy and supports our national security,” said USACE North Atlantic Division Regional Business Director John Primavera. “USACE hasn’t built a deep draft hopper dredge in about 45 years. We’re proud to recognize this milestone and look forward to continued partnership with the shipbuilding industry and progressing on the construction of this vital ship.”

“We are proud to see our design with the most advanced dredging technology come to life during this exciting milestone,” said Leo van Ingen, sales director North America at Royal IHC. “Exceeding the USACE’s mission-based operational requirements and featuring one of the most advanced configurations ever developed by Royal IHC, this project marks a significant step in our collaboration with USACE and ESG. This ground-breaking medium hopper dredge will set new standards in efficiency, automation and sustainability.” The highly automated, state-of-the-art vessel is undergoing construction at ESG’s Allanton and Port St. Joe shipyards and is scheduled for delivery in 2027. The new hopper dredge will enter the USACE’s Ready Reserve Fleet and will play a critical role in the Corps’ navigation mission to provide for safe, reliable, effective, and environmentally sustainable waterborne transportation systems for vital national security, commerce, and recreation needs. The vessel will replace the 57-year-old dredge McFarland based in the Corps’ Philadelphia District. The dredge McFarland is one of four oceangoing hopper dredges owned and operated by USACE...The hopper dredge is equipped with a diesel-electric propulsion system that meets EPA Tier 4 and IMO Tier 3 standards. The propulsion arrangement, consisting of three main generators, allows for maximum flexibility, optimal fuel consumption and operational safety in case of engine failure.

Vessel Specifications: Length: 320 feet; Beam: 72 feet; Hull Depth: 28 feet; Draft (hopper empty): 11 feet 3 inches; Draft (hopper full): 25 feet 6 inches; Maximum hopper capacity: 6000 cubic yards and Maximum dredge depth with suction tube at 45 degrees: 65 feet