Eastern Shipbuilding Announces the Launch of the M/V MAGDALEN

Eastern Shipbuilding is pleased to announce that on, Friday, March 31, 2017, it successfully launched the Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger, the M/V MAGDALEN. This 356’ Twin Screw U.S. Flag Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger currently under construction at Eastern’s Allanton Panama City, Florida facility.

On a perfect sunny Florida day, the launch was hosted by Eastern’s Founder and CEO Brian D’Isernia. Brian praised to the hundreds of attendees, the trust Weeks Marine placed with Eastern Shipbuilding constructing this dredge. Brian also pointed out that two Weeks Marine dredge vessels were currently working dredging nearby Panama City Beach, performing beach re-nourishment work. In attendance from Weeks Marine, were Richard N. Weeks, Chairman, and Steve Chatry, Senior VP Division Manager of Weeks. Steve Chatry shared with the crowd about the great relationship shared between Weeks, IHC and Eastern, leading to this momentous launch day. The M/V MAGDALEN is named after Richard and Ted Weeks’ mother, Magdalen Noll Weeks. The M/V MAGDALEN was blessed by Deacon Earl Mirus, of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Panama City and christened by Helen McLaughlin the niece of Magdalen Weeks. Also in attendance was Mike Testani - Sr. Vice President, Art Smeding - Chief Financial Officer, Charlie McCaskill - VP and Equipment Manager, Hans Blomberg - Technical Manager Hopper Dredges, Colleen Feeney - Executive Administrative Assistant and Richards’s brother Ted Weeks.

Weeks Marine is another Eastern repeat client. This new construction dredge project continues our commitment to the US Jones Act maritime industry and its long history of being a successful diversified US Shipbuilder. Looking forward, Eastern will continue to grow its facilities along with its strong workforce of men and women who are always eager for the next new construction, conversion or repair challenge.

The M/V MAGDALEN features the following characteristics:

ESG Hull Designation: H256

Designer: Royal IHC

Dimensions (Overall): 356’-0” x 79’-6”’x 27’-3”

Propulsion Horsepower: (2) 5,682 BHP

Main Engines: (2) GE 16V250

Main Shaft Generators: (2) 3400kW

Auxiliary Generator: (1) GE 6L250 (1423kW)

Emergency Generator: (1) Caterpillar C18 (425kW)

Classification: Lloyd’s Register, 100A1 Hopper Dredger, LMC, UMS

Flag & Regulatory: USA, USCG

Hopper Capacity: 8,550 yd³

Booster Pump Power: (2) @ 1600kW

Dredge Pump Power: (1) @ 1600kW

Jet Pump Power: (2) @ 445kW

Bow Thruster: (1) 730kW VFD Fixed Pitch Tunnel Unit

Eastern is proud to work with Weeks Marine, Inc. in delivering this investment in the maritime future of America, constructing this state-of-the-art “Jones Act” vessel to meet the Country’s growing needs.