Posted on July 9, 2025
McCullough Engineering Services (MES) has successfully restored the dredger Stuyvesant, which was severely damaged by a fire in November 2024. The trailing suction hopper dredge, owned by The Dutra Group, was fully repaired and returned to work in less than eight months.
The fire occurred on November 2, 2024, causing major damage to the vessel’s Engine Room and Machinery Control Room (MCR). After undergoing repairs at BAE Systems in Jacksonville, the Stuyvesant successfully completed its sea trials on June 20, 2025, and resumed operations just a few days later.
MES led the entire restoration project, handling everything from the damage assessment to the final commissioning of the vessel. The project was directed by Devin Smith, Vice President of Commercial Programs at MES, who oversaw a full engineering and project management plan to return the vessel to fully certified and mission-ready condition.
The restoration involved a wide range of technical work. MES began with a detailed assessment of the fire damage in the Engine Room and MCR. Based on this, they developed a complete recovery plan and coordinated directly with the vessel’s insurance providers to support the process.
Key parts of the project included the design and installation of a new ABS/USCG Certified Switchboard and Main Engine Control System. The team also completed a full rebuild of the Machinery Control System and its main console.
MES redesigned and installed a new Dredge Generator Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) system, along with new Motor Control Centers (MCCs). Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) were relocated, and all damaged cables in the Engine Room were removed, replaced, and tested.
