The Maritime Minute
News from The American Maritime Partnership, August 19, 2011
U.S. MARITIME ADMINISTRATION AWARDS GRANTS TO SMALL SHIPYARDS: On August 15, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced $9.89 million in grants to 13 small shipyards in as many states. “These grants will help improve our ability to build and repair ships in the United States, strengthen our economy, and help position these small businesses and shipyards to be better prepared to win in the future,” said Secretary LaHood. More than 50,000 Americans are employed by small shipyards in 30 states. The grants will help fund projects such as new drydocks, large cranes, and advanced welding systems. Click here to read more.
WISCONSIN SALUTES PORT INDUSTRY: Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker declared August 15-21 as Wisconsin Ports Week. His proclamation noted that the “Badger State” has 20 commercial ports that each year handle more than 40 million tons of cargo such as farm products, coal, cement, limestone, and much more. Those 40 million tons are the equivalent of 7 tons for each Wisconsinite and are valued at more than $8 billion. The state is also home to three major shipyards: Bay Shipbuilding Company in Sturgeon Bay, Marinette Marine in Marinette, and Fraser Shipyards in Superior.
MISSISSIPPI SHIPYARD BEGINS CONSTRUCTION OF NEW CAR CARRIER: Shipyard workers in Pascagoula, Miss., are now busy building their second car carrier for service between the West Coast and Hawaii. The vessel, to be christened the MARJORIE C, is scheduled for delivery in the fall of 2013. The 692-foot-long ship will cost $144 million. Its owner, Pasha Hawaii, also has another option for a third car carrier depending on demand in the future.
MEET A MEMBER: Bay Shipbuilding Co. in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, is the largest shipyard on the Great Lakes. More than 760 vessels have been built at the facility since 1918, including many of the 1,000-foot-long supercarriers that transformed Great Lakes shipping. A division of Fincantieri Marine Group, the yard features a 1,154′ x 140′ graving dock and a 78,000-square-foot fully enclosed fabrication shop. The yard is ramping up to begin construction of two Platform Supply Vessels. Those projects, coupled with maintenance and modernization of the Lakes fleet during the winter, will push Bay’s workforce to almost 800.