The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced $19.6 million in grants to support capital improvements at 28 U.S. small shipyards as a part of its Small Shipyard Grant program. The grants enable small shipyards to modernize equipment and processes to fuel future growth.
Greek shipping company Capital Product Partners has agreed to spin off its crude and product tanker business and merge it with the tanker businesses owned by DSS Holdings.The $1.65 billion transaction involving 68 tankers is expected to create the third largest publicly traded MR and product fleet in the world
Metal Shark announced it has secured a contract to build three 120’ x 35’ river towboats for Florida Marine Transporters, Inc. (FMT), signalling the U.S. shipbuilder’s entry into the towboat market.The four-decked, welded-steel, USCG Subchapter “M”-compliant towboats were designed by John W. Gilbert Associates, Inc.
Dry bulk shipping company Scorpio Bulkers Inc. announced that it has signed letters of intent with suppliers, engineering firms and ship repair facilities to cover the purchase and installation of exhaust gas cleaning systems, also known as scrubbers, on substantially all of its owned and finance leased Kamsarmax and Ultramax vessels.
Mississippi shipbuilder VT Halter Marine, Inc. said it has secured a new contract to build an articulated tug barge (ATB) tug with an option for a second vessel for Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc.Construction of the new vessel, M/V Evening Stroll, begins immediately at the builder’s Pascagoula, Miss. shipyard, with delivery scheduled for December 2019.
Mississippi shipbuilder VT Halter Marine, Inc. has launched a new ferry, Powhatam, for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).In November 2016, VT Halter Marine was awarded the contract for the design, construction and delivery of the new 499-passenger/70-vehicle ferry that will replace the current vessel, the Virginia, which was built in 1936.
New York listed offshore services provider GulfMark Offshore, Inc. said it is reviewing an unsolicited merger proposal from rival HGIM Corp. (Harvey Gulf), just weeks after entering a definitive agreement to merge with larger rival Tidewater Inc.Harvey Gulf’s nonbinding competing offer submitted August 1 proposes that it be acquired by GulfMark and the combined company remain publicly listed.
The Army Corps of Engineers, in coordination with The Waterways Council, Inc. provided a press tour today at the almost completed Olmsted lock and dam project. Inland stakeholders will cheer this critical infrastructure upgrade. MarineNews contributor Tom Ewing was there and had this to say:As waterways operators know, Olmsted is the Corps' megaproject finally coming to an end.
More than $20 million in grant funding has been awarded to support capital improvement projects at 29 small shipyards in 22 states across the U.S.The funding, awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) Small Shipyard Grant Program, supports capital improvements that foster increased efficiency and economic growth.
Mark Lamarre, who most recently served as CEO of Australian Shipbuilding Company (ASC), has been named CEO of Seaspan Shipyards effective immediately. Lamarre succeeds Brian Carter, who stepped down to pursue other opportunities.Lamarre’s appointment follows recent Seaspan Shipyards additions to the senior leadership team, including Jari Anttila (previously with Philly Shipyard Inc.
Estern Shipbuilding Group announced it has signed a new contract with Bisso Offshore, LLC for the construction of two Robert Allan Ltd. RApport 2400 Ship Handing Tugs with escort capability. The deal was signed on May 31, 2018.Bisso Offshore is one of Eastern’s long term customers and has taken delivery of four previous modern Z-drive tugs from Eastern since 2006.
New Orleans based E.N. BISSO & SON, INC. announced it has acquired fellow harbor tug serves provider PETCHEM, INC. of Port Canaveral, Fla., effective June 27, 2018.PETCHEM’s business at Port Canaveral, which includes three tugs and has been active since 1984, will continue to operate as PETCHEM, INC. with all staffing, personnel, equipment and service commitments unchanged.E.N.