The USACE's newest hopper dredger Donnelly is taking shape at Eastern Shipbuilding Group’s Allanton Shipyard in Panama City, Florida.
A couple of days ago, Eastern Shipbuilding hosted U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Philadelphia District Commander Lieutenant Colonel Ryan A. Baum. "During the visit to our Allanton facility, LTC Baum observed firsthand the significant progress made on the dredger Donnelly since its keel laying earlier this year. Close coordination with our USACE partners keeps this sophisticated vessel on a clear path toward completion, built with the highest standards of safety, quality, and precision performance," Eastern Shipbuilding said.
Built to replace the nearly 60-year-old dredger McFarland, the Donnelly is a ready reserve vessel designed to carry forward the USACE’ navigation mission and help keep America’s shipping channels open and safe.
In April 2025, USACE joined contractors Eastern Shipbuilding and Royal IHC on April 4, 2025, in Panama City, FL for a steel cutting ceremony, kicking off construction.
Since then, modular construction has been progressing steadily, with unit builds underway and fabrication and assembly of various key components. Work is being carried out in close coordination with the USACE Marine Design Center, Eastern Shipbuilding Group and Royal IHC.