The Dutra Group, San Rafael, Calif., announced it has ordered a new 10,464-cubic-yard trailing suction hopper dredge from Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc., Panama City, Fla.
The heavy civil marine and dredging contractor said on Thursday that it issued a notice to proceed for the construction of the new vessel, Adele, to be constructed at Eastern’s Allanton and Port St. Joe, Fla. facilities for scheduled delivery in late 2028.
“This major investment continues The Dutra Group’s recapitalization efforts and focuses our resources on Dutra’s commitment to supporting America’s Jones Act fleet, our U.S. shipyards, and our nation’s maritime and economic security needs,” said Bill T. Dutra, founder and chairman of the The Dutra Group. “The Adele will be American-owned, American-built, American-flagged, and most importantly, American-crewed.”
The dredge will be named in honor of Bill Dutra’s mother, Adele Coelho.
The 347'x79'6"x37' twin screw trailing suction hopper dredge is based on the Beagle Mk2 design from Royal IHC, Kinderdijk, the Netherlands. The hopper has a V-shaped cross section and is provided with a single row of bottom doors for quick offloading of dredged material. The design also incorporates a bow connection for efficient material pump-off. The hull shape features a bulbous bow to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency.
The accommodation deckhouse and wheelhouse are situated on the fore ship. The wheelhouse has separate consoles for navigation and dredging, each positioned such that both the helmsman and the dredge master have excellent views of their respective operations.
The dredge has one engine room in the aft of the vessel. The dredge pumps are in a separate pump room and are driven by the main diesel engines through a reduction gearbox. Total installed power is 13,290 hp.
“We are proud to partner with The Dutra Group on this exciting new project that will substantially enhance its operations,” said Joey D’Isernia, CEO and chairman of Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. “As the most experienced builder of dredges in the U.S., we are confident that we will deliver an exceptional vessel that will meet Dutra’s customer’s unique needs.”
“This state-of-the art, technically efficient new build vessel is designed meet our nation’s maritime infrastructure needs, now and in the future, as the low-cost provider dredging services, including channel deepening, maintenance dredging, beach nourishment and coastal restoration projects,” said Harry K. Stewart, president and CEO at The Dutra Group. “America’s military and consumers depend on our ability to keep our U.S. waterways open and safe.”
The new dredge represents The Dutra Group's largest ever capital investment, the company said. Upon delivery, Adele will join Dutra’s 9,870-cubic-yard hopper dredge Stuyvesant, delivered from Avondale Shipyard in 1981. The company also owns clamshell and cutter suction dredges.
