All-electric dredges launched

Two all-electric, 2000-ton capacity hopper dredges built for the Engineer Corps were recently launched from the yards of the Sun Shipbuilding Company. These dredges are electrically driven throughout, no steam being generated on t h e ship. The main propulsion is obtained from Diesel engines driving directcurrent generators which, in turn, operate the propelling motors. Electricity is used for cooking, heating, ventilating, and all other purposes. These are probably the largest vessels that have been completely electrified and mark a new step in the progress of the art.