In a significant milestone for U.S. maritime infrastructure, Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. (ESG) officially began construction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) new medium-class hopper dredger during a ceremonial steel-cutting event. The ceremony, held yesterday, drew attendance from senior leaders across USACE Headquarters, North Atlantic Division, the Marine Design Center, the Philadelphia District, along with representatives from Royal IHC and ESG.

The event marks the launch of a long-anticipated project — the first deep-draft hopper dredger commissioned by USACE in nearly half a century. This next-generation vessel is being built at ESG’s Allanton and Port St. Joe facilities and is slated for delivery in 2027.

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Joey D’Isernia, CEO of Eastern Shipbuilding Group, emphasized the historical and technological significance of the project:

“The steel cutting of this highly advanced hopper dredger 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 dredger that will enhance our nation’s waterway infrastructure.”

John Primavera, USACE North Atlantic Division’s Regional Business Director, echoed that sentiment, noting the vessel’s critical role:

“This new dredger 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.”

The new hopper dredger is set to replace the 57-year-old Dredge McFARLAND, currently operating under the USACE Philadelphia District. The McFARLAND is one of only four oceangoing hopper dredges owned and operated by the Corps.

Vessel Specifications:

Length: 320 feet
Beam: 72 feet
Hull Depth: 28 feet
Draft (Hopper Empty): 11'3"
Draft (Hopper Full): 25'6"
Maximum Hopper Capacity: 6,000 cubic yards
Maximum Dredge Depth (at 45° suction angle): 65 feet

The dredger’s construction comes at a time when modernizing America’s waterway infrastructure is paramount. It is expected to bring enhanced capacity, automation, and energy-efficient operations to the U.S. dredging fleet. The collaboration between ESG, Royal IHC, and USACE also sets a new benchmark for private-public partnerships in maritime engineering and construction.

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