According to al.com, BAE Systems and Weeks Marine Inc. marked a major milestone in the life of the MV Magdalen, an 8,500 cubic yard capacity trailing suction hopper dredger.
BAE Systems Southeast Shipyard Alabama LLC in Mobile hosted the traditional keel-laying ceremony for the ship, during which Weeks Marine Chairman Richard Weeks welded his initials into an aluminum panel on the hull of the vessel.
“ Building a vessel like this is a very substantial challenge. It really requires a lot of attention. Because of the large and competent workforce at BAE, we’re confident that this yard can deliver,” he stated.
About 150 people gathered at BAE’s shipyard to witness the event for the US$90 million dredger.
Al.com reports that BAE Systems’ Mobile shipyard began construction on Magdalen in early June and expects to complete it in 2014.
[mappress] World Maritime News Staff, September 12, 2012; Image: BAE