PANAMA CITY — A local shipbuilding company has secured a contract that will contribute to the improvement of the nation’s maritime infrastructure.
In a press release issued on March 21, officials from Eastern Shipbuilding Group, based in Panama City, shared the news that the shipbuilder had been awarded a contract to construct a 10,464-cubic yard trailing suction hopper dredge for the Dutra Group.
The Dutra Group, headquartered in San Rafael, California, is a marine contractor focused on enhancing the U.S. maritime infrastructure through dredging and marine construction projects.
“We’re excited to collaborate with the Dutra Group on this important project, which will significantly enhance their operations,” said Joey D’Isernia, CEO of Eastern Shipbuilding, in the press release. “With our extensive experience in building dredges, we’re confident in our ability to deliver a vessel that will meet Dutra’s specific needs.”
The new vessel, named “Adele,” will measure approximately 350 feet in length, 80 feet in width, and nearly 40 feet in height. It will be named in honor of Adele Coelho, the mother of Bill Dutra, the founder and chairman of the Dutra Group.
“This major investment is part of the Dutra Group’s ongoing efforts to reinvest in its fleet and underscores our commitment to supporting the Jones Act fleet, U.S. shipyards, and the nation’s maritime and economic security,” said Dutra in the release. “The ‘Adele’ will be American-owned, American-built, American-flagged, and most importantly, American-crewed.”
The release highlights that the Adele’s addition to the U.S. dredging fleet aligns with former President Donald Trump’s emphasis on strengthening American shipbuilding and ensuring the U.S. maintains control over its maritime future.
The Adele will complement Dutra’s current dredge, the “Stuyvesant,” which has a 9,870-cubic yard capacity.
“This cutting-edge vessel is designed to address our nation’s current and future maritime infrastructure needs, serving as a cost-effective solution for dredging services, including channel deepening, maintenance dredging, beach nourishment, and coastal restoration,” said Harry Stewart, president and CEO of the Dutra Group. “It is vital for the U.S. military and the general public that our waterways remain navigable and secure.”