Keel Laid for New Dredge Donnelly in Florida
On January 22, Eastern Shipbuilding Group, in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and Royal IHC, celebrated a significant milestone with the keel laying ceremony for the dredge Donnelly at its Allanton, Florida facility. This event marks a pivotal moment in the construction of the 320-foot Medium Class Hopper Dredge, which is set to replace the aging Dredge McFarland. Eastern’s CEO, Joey D’Isernia, emphasized the team’s commitment to quality and safety as they progress with this vital project.
Significance of the Keel Laying Ceremony
The keel laying ceremony is a traditional event in shipbuilding, symbolizing the official start of a vessel’s construction. During the ceremony, the initials of key personnel were inscribed into the keel authentication plate, a practice that dates back centuries. Trace Taylor, a welder at Eastern Shipbuilding Group, performed this task under the watchful eye of Russ Donnelly, who represents the family of the late Ray Donnelly, after whom the dredge is named.
Ray Donnelly had a distinguished career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, retiring as chief of resource management for the Philadelphia District in 2020. His contributions to the Corps and the broader maritime community were recognized with the Army Engineer Association’s de Fleury Medal. The Donnelly dredge is designed to support the USACE’s mission for many years, reflecting the legacy of its namesake.
Eastern Shipbuilding Group Celebrates Keel Laying Ceremony for New Dredge
Construction of the Donnelly began in April 2025, following a steel cutting ceremony. Since then, the project has progressed through modular construction, with various key components being fabricated and assembled. The collaboration between Eastern Shipbuilding Group, USACE, and Royal IHC has been crucial in ensuring the project stays on schedule and meets safety and quality standards.
Project Timeline and Specifications
The Donnelly is expected to enter service in fiscal year 2028. Upon completion, the dredge will feature a hull depth of 28 feet and a draft of 25 feet 6 inches at maximum hopper capacity, which will be 6,000 cubic yards. It will also have a maximum dredging depth of 65 feet, with the suction tube positioned at a 45-degree angle, making it a vital asset for future dredging operations.
As the construction continues, Eastern Shipbuilding Group remains focused on delivering a high-quality vessel that meets the needs of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Donnelly will play a critical role in maintaining and improving the nation’s waterways, ensuring safe navigation and environmental stewardship for years to come.
