Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) has launched a 356ft trailing suction hopper dredge called R.B. WEEKS， which was built for Weeks Marine.

　　The new trailing suction hopper dredge is the same as the M/V MAGDALEN， which was built by ESG in 2017.

　　With a hopper capacity of 8，550 cubic yards， this second trailing suction hopper dredge is being built at ESG’s Allanton Shipyard in Florida， US.

　　Eastern will carry out the vessel outfitting and trials at its Port St Joe facility for on-time delivery in 2023.

　　ESG president Joey D’Isernia said: “Eastern Shipbuilding Group has enjoyed a strong partnership with Weeks Marine， Inc’s team over multiple projects， and we are proud to build another dredge vessel that will enhance our waterways and restore our coastlines.”

　　The vessel features an electrical power， propulsion and dredge machinery package by Royal IHC， along with several upgrades to accommodation and crew comfort.

　　Designed by Royal IHC， the vessel features GE 16V250 MDC IMOIII/EPA Tier 4 engines， Simens reduction gears and main generators supplied by Hyundai.

　　With a capacity to accommodate 26 persons， the US-flagged vessel also features a Caterpillar C18 IMOII/EPA Tier 3 emergency generator and GE 6L250 MDC IMOIII/EPA Tier 4 auxiliary generator.

　　Weeks Marine president Eric Ellefsen said: “We are excited to see the launch of our newest trailing suction hopper dredge， the R.B. WEEKS， which will join her sister vessel in various dredging activities primarily aiding the US Army Corp of Engineers to maintain ports， harbour and other waterways to ensure ship navigation is possible.”