Official keel laying ceremony of USACE MCHD DONNELLY

On Thursday January 22^nd, the official keel laying ceremony of United States Army Corps of Engineers’ MCHD DONNELLY took place at Eastern Shipbuilding Groups Allanton Shipyard. Part of the ceremony consisted of the welding of the initials of Lorraine H. Donnelly, daughter of the vessel sponsor Ray Donnelly, on a plaque in front of the vessels mid body (hopper). The TSHD DONNELLY will be launched at the beginning of 2027 and delivery is planned for the end of 2027.

COO Bert Jan ter Riet spoke on behalf of Royal IHC and expressed pride and valuation of being a member of this TSHD construction team. He also reflected on the 250 years of existence of the USACE as well as the strong ties between the U.S. and The Netherlands. Looking back 250 years, it was the Netherlands that was the first country in the world that recognised the United States and gave the so called ‘First Salute’.