ESG to launch Weeks Marine new dredge this Friday

Eastern Shipbuilding Group is getting ready for the launch of Weeks Marine latest hopper dredge, the R.B. Weeks.

The shipbuilder has successfully transferred the R.B. Weeks to the launch way, making her ready for the christening and launch on June 17th.

The 8,550 cubic yards (6,540m³) trailing suction hopper dredge is currently under construction at the Eastern’s Allanton premises in Panama City, Florida.

The vessel, measuring 356 feet long by 79.5 feet wide and with a draft of 27 feet 3 inches, is an identical vessel to the Magdalen that was delivered to Weeks in 2017.

Like the Magdalen, the R.B. Weeks will be equipped with Royal IHC designed and built equipment. This includes the complete and highly efficient dredging installation, dredging automation and instrumentation, propulsion and main electrical system.

The delivery of TSHD R.B. WEEKS is scheduled for late 2022/early 2023.

Check out this time-lapse video of R.B. WEEKS being transferred to the launch way.