Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. has started construction on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ new medium class hopper dredge. The vessel will be part of the Corps’ Ready Reserve Fleet and is intended to support navigation and waterborne transportation infrastructure, an Eastern Shipbuilding press release said.
The dredge will replace the 57-year-old dredge McFarland, which is operated by the Corps’ Philadelphia District. The event was attended by leadership from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Headquarters, North Atlantic Division, Marine Design Center, and Philadelphia District, as well as representatives from Royal IHC and Eastern Shipbuilding Group.
The 320’x72’x28’ vessel is being built at Eastern Shipbuilding Group’s Allanton and Port St. Joe facilities and is scheduled for delivery in 2027. The dredge will draw 11’3” when the hopper is empty, and 25’6” when full. Maximum hopper capacity is 6000 cubic yards.
The design, developed in collaboration with Royal IHC, incorporates efficiency, automation, and sustainability measures, the shipyard said. Eastern Shipbuilding noted the hopper can be fully loaded with medium fine sand in less than 45 minutes, and high-efficiency dredge pumps significantly reduce discharge time. With the suction tube at 45 degrees, the dredge has a maximum depth of 65’. According to the shipyard, the vessel will have the capacity to load up to 15% more efficiently, reducing fuel consumption and environmental impact. It is equipped with a semi-autonomous dredge assist program that minimizes human interaction in dredging operations.
The shipyard said the diesel-electric propulsion system is designed to meet EPA Tier 4 and IMO Tier 3 standards, featuring three main generators for operational flexibility and fuel efficiency. Eastern Shipbuilding also noted the vessel’s overflow system is designed to minimize environmental impact by reducing turbidity compared to a conventional anti-turbidity valve.
Joey D’Isernia, CEO of Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc., stated, "The steel cutting of this highly advanced hopper dredge marks another milestone in Eastern Shipbuilding Group’s legacy of delivering world-class vessels. 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."
John Primavera, regional business director for USACE North Atlantic Division, said, "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. 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."
Leo van Ingen, sales director North America at Royal IHC, said, "We are proud to see our design with the most advanced dredging technology come to life during this exciting milestone. 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 hopper dredge will set new standards in efficiency, automation, and sustainability."
