Eastern Shipbuilding Group News

On January 22, 2026, Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) and partners, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and Royal IHC, held a keel laying ceremony for the ongoing construction of the Dredge DONNELLY at Eastern’s Allanton Facility.The DONNELLY is a Medium Class Hopper Dredge that has been under construction since April 2025. The vessel will replace the Dredge McFARLAND and will play a critical role in enabling USACE to continue to deliver its navigation mission.The keel laying…

Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) launched the first of the four Saltchuk escort tugs.“We are proud to advance this important project for Saltchuk Marine and look forward to continued progress as we move toward delivering these high-quality escort tugs,” said Joey D’Isernia, CEO of Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. “These four vessels set a new maritime standard that will positively impact the industry by meeting new rigorous environmental requirements.” said Jason Childs, Saltchuk…

Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) completed and redelivered HOS Rocinante, a first-of-its-kind U.S.-flagged Service Operation Vessel (SOV) converted for Hornbeck Offshore Services.The vessel marks a milestone in the evolution of the U.S. offshore service fleet to be future-ready for both the offshore wind and petro-energy sector demands for broadly capable marine support vessels.Originally built by ESG as an offshore supply vessel, HOS Rocinante unerwent extensive conversion at ESG’s Allanton and Port St Joe Shipyards in Panama City…

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson selected the $714.5 million bid from Florida-based Eastern Shipbuilding Group to build three new Washington State Ferries (WSF) vessels earlier this year, and the project is advancing with new contract awards.The hybrid/electric vessels have a length overall of 409’-6” with an 83’-2” beam and a hull depth of 24’-6”. They will be certified to transport 160 standard-sized passenger vehicles and 1500 passengers. With a draft of 16’-6”, the ferries…

ABB has secured an order with Washington State Ferries (WSF), the United States’ largest ferry operator, to supply and integrate hybrid-electric propulsion systems for two hybrid-electric 160-auto ferries.With the first two ships scheduled for delivery from Eastern Shipbuilding Group, one apiece in 2030 and 2031, the contract also includes an option for a third ferry. WSF has previously announced plans to build up to 16 ships by the end of 2040, as part of a ferry electrification program targeting lower emissions.ABB will supply and integrate end-to-end systems including power distribution…

The United States dredging industry stands as one of the most competitive, efficient, and strategically vital sectors of the maritime economy. As part of the Jones Act fleet—the original Build America, Buy America industry — it not only strengthens our ports and waterways but also anchors thousands of middle-class jobs, spurs shipbuilding across the Gulf and East Coasts, and delivers exceptional value for taxpayers.The last several years have ushered in a quiet renaissance. Dredging firms large and small are modernizing their fleets, expanding capacity, and deepening critical U.S.

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, Florida.“Completing the launch ahead of schedule speaks volumes about the talent and commitment of our workforce.

Washington State Ferries reported that its 17-vessel service was dinged by the removal of the ferry Wenatchee, which has been taken out of service due to a mechanical issue involving one of its electrical subsystems discovered last week.According to WSF, the vessel’s engine crew and maintenance teams are working to remove and replace the damaged equipment, which remains under warranty. The Wenatchee is expected to return to service on the Seattle–Bainbridge route soon.WSF also…

The Washington State Ferries (WSF) vessel Suquamish suffered a significant main engine casualty while operating on the Mukilteo/Clinton route last week causing the vessel to go out of service in the afternoon leaving one vessel in place to support the route.Unfortunately, this disruption occurred as many travelers were returning from one of the largest motorcycle gatherings in the Pacific Northwest, the 42nd Annual Oyster Run.To cover for the Suquamish, the Kitsap was moved to…

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, Florida, the two companies have entered into an agreement that supports the expansion of the domestic industrial base and advances the U.S.

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,” said David Sowers, Washington State Ferries’ Electrification Program Administrator.

The United States Department of Homeland Security has announced the partial termination of a shipbuilding contract with Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG), saying it was wasteful of taxpayer’s money.The Coast Guard is reviewing contracts which are failing to meet delivery agreements. An existing Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) contract with ESG has been slow to deliver four OPCs, so Secretary Kristi Noem partially canceled ESG’s contract for two out of the four OPCs expected from ESG in Panama City…

Shipbuilding in the United States has seen a heightened profile with increased attention from Congress and the Trump 2.0 Administration. The ongoing dialogue regarding reinvigorating the U.S. deep sea fleet has brought mainstream attention to vessel construction, which has been nearly absent in recent years. In contrast, the marketplace for domestic vessel construction, for vessels serving rivers and harbors, is alive and well. Recent newbuilds for linehaul trades, and also Z-drive vessels for ship assist work, show the resilience of this sector.

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, I believe Eastern is the…

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, as well as safety-related metrics determined by AEU’s loss control team.

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, reducing fuel consumption and environmental impact, with an ECO Control Package that includes high-end controls for trail speed…

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 hopper dredge Stuyvesant serving our nation’s essential waterways.The newbuild will be based on Royal IHC’s Beagle design.

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. The visit underscored the renewed focus on advancing domestic shipbuilding capabilities…

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 environmentally undesirable on a waterfront that more than ever demands cleaner carbon signatures – are going the way of the dinosaur.

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," said Joey D’Isernia, CEO and Chairman of Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc.

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 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, and they will be operated by Foss Maritime.Each tug will be equipped with two azimuthing Schottel RudderPropellers of the type SRP 510 each.

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 students’ welding and engineering skills.“Our Coastline Initiative is more than…