The following is the text of a news release from Eastern Shipbuilding Group:
(PANAMA CITY, Fla.) — Eastern Shipbuilding has announced the delivery of the trailing suction hopper dredger M/V Magdalen to Weeks Marine Inc.
“From the outset of this project, the construction of the Magdalen has been an exceptionally challenging and rewarding experience," said J. Stephen Chatry, senior vice president, Weeks Marine. "Fortunately for Weeks, the dubious start gave way to an extraordinarily successful finish, due in large part to the capabilities of Eastern Shipbuilding. In retrospect, the delivery of the Magdalen has everything to do with the partnership that was forged between Eastern, IHC and Weeks during the build. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who contributed to this monumental effort."
“This successful project was the result of a close working relationship between Weeks and ESG," said Joey D’Isernia, president of Eastern Shipbuilding Group. "The completion of a partially constructed dredge requires clear and open communication by both parties during the bidding phase and the execution phase. We thoroughly enjoyed working with Weeks on this project and look forward to seeing the Magdalen positively impact the Jones Act dredging market."
Magdalen has the following characteristics:
Contract date: March 27, 2015
Launch date: March 31, 2017
ESG hull designation: H256
Designer: Royal IHC
Dimensions (overall): 356-by-79-by-27 feet
Propulsion horsepower: (2) 5,682 bhp
Main engines: (2) GE 16V250
Main shaft generators: (2) 3,400 kW
Auxiliary generator: GE 6L250 (1,423 kW)
Emergency generator: Caterpillar C18 (425 kW)
Classification: Lloyd’s Register, 100A1 Hopper Dredger, LMC, UMS
Flag and regulatory: USA, USCG
Hopper capacity: 8,550 cubic yards
Booster pump power: (2) @ 1,600 kW
Dredge pump power: 1,600 kW
Jet pump power: (2) @ 445 kW
Bow thruster: 730-kW VFD fixed-pitch tunnel unit
The design and construction of Magdalen has been a team effort between Weeks Marine, Royal IHC, and Eastern Shipbuilding Group. Eastern worked directly with Royal IHC, which provided the design, detailed engineering, and dredging equipment for Magdalen. The vessel was delivered on Dec. 22.
IHC America, a U.S.-based company, was founded in 1977 and has a registered office in Houston, Texas. IHC America is supported by the parent company Royal IHC in the Netherlands.