Eastern Shipbuilding Group Inc.
Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. is a prominent American shipbuilding company headquartered in Panama City, Florida. Founded in 1976 by Brian D'Isernia, the company has grown to become one of the largest private shipbuilders in the United States. Eastern Shipbuilding Group specializes in designing, constructing, and repairing various types of vessels, including commercial, government, and offshore support vessels.
Key Areas of Focus:
Commercial Vessels: The company builds a diverse range of commercial ships, including tugboats, towboats, offshore supply vessels (OSVs), and cargo ships.
Government Vessels: Eastern Shipbuilding works with various governmental and military entities to produce ships like cutters and patrol vessels.
Offshore Vessels: The firm constructs offshore support and service vessels that cater to the offshore oil and gas industry.
Repair and Maintenance: In addition to building new ships, Eastern Shipbuilding Group also offers repair and maintenance services for vessels, ensuring they remain seaworthy and in optimal condition.
Facilities: The company operates multiple shipbuilding facilities, with major yards located in Panama City and Port St. Joe, Florida. These facilities are equipped with modern infrastructure, including dry docks, fabrication shops, and outfitting areas, allowing for efficient construction and repair processes.
Notable Projects: Eastern Shipbuilding Group has been involved in several high-profile projects over the years. One of the most significant is the contract with the United States Coast Guard to design and construct the Offshore Patrol Cutters (OPCs). This program aims to replace the aging fleet of Medium Endurance Cutters with new, more capable vessels.
Workforce: The company employs a skilled workforce comprising engineers, designers, fabricators, and other professionals who contribute to various aspects of shipbuilding and repair. Their expertise ensures that Eastern Shipbuilding Group can deliver high-quality, reliable vessels.
Reputation: Eastern Shipbuilding Group has built a strong reputation within the maritime industry for delivering robust, well-designed ships that meet specific customer requirements. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has enabled them to forge long-term relationships with clients globally.
Overall, Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. stands out as a key player in the American shipbuilding industry, recognized for its capabilities in constructing a wide array of vessels that serve commercial, governmental, and industrial needs.
- Phone: 850-763-1900
- Web: www.easternshipbuilding.com
- Fax: 850-763-7904
Locations
Eastern Shipbuilding Group News
ESG Launches Fisher Island Ferry
Eastern Shipbuilding Group launched the vehicle-passenger ferry FALCON, being constructed for the Fisher Island Community Association (FICA).The ferry is designed to meet the unique needs of the Fisher Island route, combining enhanced vehicle capacity and passenger comfort with ESG’s proven vessel-construction expertise. FALCON is scheduled for delivery in Spring 2026 and is being constructed at ESG’s Allanton facility in Panama City…
Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. to Support Unit Production of U.S. Navy Destroyers
Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. (ESG) has announced an agreement with HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding Division to support the limited production of outfitted structural units for the U.S. Navy’s Flight III Arleigh Burke-class (DDG 51) guided missile destroyers.Building on the success of a recent pilot program in which ESG constructed a limited number of DDG units at its Nelson Street Facility in Panama City…
Eastern Shipbuilding Gets Go-Ahead from WSF for Three Hybrid-Electric Ferries
Eastern Shipbuilding Group received the Notice to Proceed from Washington State Ferries (WSF) to build two with an option for an additional 160-vehicle hybrid-electric ferries for the State of Washington. This milestone follows the first competitive bid for ferry construction in more than 25 years for the nation’s largest ferry system.“This is an exciting milestone in bringing new hybrid-electric ferries to our fleet…
U.S. Shipbuilding Plots the Path Ahead
The military and Coast Guard budgets are established that will benefit the U.S. ship building and repair sector, but what will stimulate the commercial yards?This author has been scratching his head of late, after a thrilling dive into July’s U.S. Big Beautiful Bill Act, and has asked several colleagues where the funding for support commercial shipbuilding can be found? To answer that, we need to look…
ESG Wins Bid to Build Washington State Hybrid Electric Ferries
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson announced he has selected the $714.5 million bid from Florida-based Eastern Shipbuilding Group to build three new 160-vehicle hybrid-electric ferries. “We’re restoring domestic service to pre-pandemic levels years ahead of schedule, improving crew retention, and soon will bring our first hybrid-electric vessel into service,” Governor Ferguson said. “After careful consideration and conversations with legislative leaders…
Eastern Shipbuilding Group Wins National Award for Excellence in Safety
Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. announced it has been awarded a 2024 AEU Safety Award for the company’s commitment to safety in the workplace.The American Equity Underwriters, Inc., the leading provider of workers’ compensation for waterfront employers, presents the AEU Safety Awards each year to its best performing members nationwide. Eligibility for the awards is based on the frequency and severity of workers’ compensation incidents for the prior calendar year…
Steel Cut for USACE Eco Dredger
Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) has officially begun construction on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' (USACE) new medium class hopper dredger with a ceremonial steel-cutting event.The vessel is being built at ESG's Allanton and Port St. Joe facilities and is scheduled for delivery in 2027.ESG is collaborating with Royal IHC on the design.USACE's new hopper dredger will be able to load up to 15% more efficiently…
Dutra Group Orders New Hopper Dredge from Eastern Shipbuilding Group
The Dutra Group, a California-based heavy civil marine contractor, has issued a notice to proceed to Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) for the construction of a 10,464 cubic yard trailing suction hopper dredge, named Adele.The ship will be constructed at ESG's Allanton and Port St. Joe facilities. Delivery is scheduled for late 2028.The Adele will join The Dutra Group’s 9,870 cubic yard trailing suction…
DOD Officials Visits Eastern Shipbuilding
Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) has welcomed (Acting) Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition (ASN RDA) Dr. Brett Seidle, Rear Admiral Tom Anderson, Program Executive Officer for Ships (PEO Ships), and several key Department of Defense (DOD) officials to its shipyard this week.As a leader in America’s maritime industry, ESG remains committed to supporting the nation’s defense initiatives and strengthening the U.S. shipbuilding sector.
An (Electric) Jolt for the Passenger Vessel Industry
The domestic passenger vessel answers the call for cleaner and more efficient platforms. It is truly an electric time to be a part of this niche industry.In the shadow of a rapidly changing political landscape, the domestic passenger ferry sector is nevertheless seeing an increasing number of newbuild vessel orders. Older fleet vessels, some approaching financial and operational obsolescence – also…
ESG Delivers LI Ferry to McAllister Subsidiary
PANAMA CITY, FL – Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. (ESG) announced the successful delivery of the LONG ISLAND (ESG Hull 228), a newly constructed passenger and auto ferry, to the Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Steamboat Company, a subsidiary of McAllister Towing. The vessel, designed to provide seamless transportation between Bridgeport, CT, and Port Jefferson, NY, across Long Island Sound, is the latest addition to the company’s fleet."This delivery is a proud moment for our team…
ESG Cuts Steel for Saltchuck Escort Tugs
Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) reached an exciting milestone today, initiating steel cutting for the first of four advanced escort tugs for Saltchuk Marine at its Allanton Facility. Attending the ceremony were key members of Saltchuk's leadership team. These high-performance vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2026."Our team is excited to begin construction on these state-of-the-art escort tugs for Saltchuk," said Joey D’Isernia, Chairman and CEO of Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc.
Schottel Propulsion for Four New Saltchuk Escort Tugs
Schottel won an order to supply azimuthing thrusters for four new escort tugs for Seattle-based Saltchuk Marine, the beginning of the renewal of the Saltchuk fleet for operations on the US West Coast, Hawaii, and Alaska.To be built by Eastern Shipbuilding, the vessels are a RApport 2600 design by Canadian naval architect Robert Allan and will measure 25.6 x 12.8m with a 5.5-m draft. Accommodation will be provided for eight persons…
Eastern Shipbuilding Group Launches Second 'Coastline Initiative'
Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) has kicked off its second annual Coastline Initiative, a creative competition inviting local students to design innovative artificial reefs aimed at restoring coastal ecosystems. This initiative, in collaboration with the Bay County Artificial Reef Association (BCARA) and the University of Florida IFAS Extension, emphasizes environmental preservation while enhancing…
Eastern Shipbuilding Cuts First Steel for New Fisher Island Ferry Vessel
Panama City, Fla. based shipbuilder Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) on Friday announced it has officially cut first steel for the new Fisher Island Ferry, Falcon, at its Allanton Facility.The Elliott Bay Design Group-designed auto and passenger ferry will be constructed at ESG’s Allanton and Port St. Joe facilities and is expected for delivery in Spring 2026. The 152-foot (loa) vessel will have capacity…
Three Shipyards Expected to Compete for Washington State Ferries Vessel Construction Contracts
Three shipyards have expressed interest in building a long-awaited series of new hybrid-electric car and passenger vessels for Washington State Ferries (WSF).Nichols Brothers Boat Builders in Freeland, Wash.; Eastern Shipbuilding Group in Panama City, Fla. and Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia have sent pre-qualification packages after WSF earlier this year invited shipbuilders to bid, Washington State Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary Steve Nevey…
Royal Van der Leun to Equip USACE's New Hopper Dredge
Royal Van der Leun, based in the Netherlands, announced it will supply equipment for a new hopper dredge being built by Eastern Shipbuilding Group in Panama City, Fla., for the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).Scheduled for delivery in 2027, the 320-foot vessel, with a hopper capacity of 6,000 cubic yards will join the USACE’s Ready Reserve Fleet, replacing the USACE Philadelphia District's high-powered deep draft hopper dredge McFarland…
US National Maritime Strategy Needs to Empower Tier 2 Shipyards
A few weeks ago, a U.S. Coast Guard cutter spotted several Chinese military ships within the U.S. exclusive economic zone just 200 nautical miles off the shores of Alaska. This incident underscores how brazen our adversaries are becoming in the face of a diminished U.S. maritime presence. China’s brazen actions are backed by the world’s largest naval fleet that they have accumulated over the past several years while our maritime capacity has declined.
Eastern to Build New Tugs for Saltchuk
Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) on Monday announced it has been awarded a contract to construct four new escort tugs for Saltchuk Marine's Foss Maritime. The vessels will be built at ESG’s Allanton and Port St. Joe facilities, in Florida, with delivery expected in 2026.The order marks the beginning of Saltchuk Marine’s long-term fleet renewal project, with the new tugs set to support West Coast port…
ESG Wins Contract to Build Fisher Island Ferry
Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) won a contract to build a new auto and passenger ferry for the Fisher Island Community Association, Inc. (FICA) in Florida. The vessel will be built at ESG’s Allanton and Port St. Joe facilities and is expected for delivery in Spring 2026.“Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) delivered the vehicle passenger ferry HERON to the Fisher Island Community Association, Inc. (FICA) over 20 years ago, and we understand that she has been the most reliable ferry in their fleet.
