On Friday, November 15, 2019, Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. (ESG) launched the SSG MICHAEL H. OLLIS (Hull 219) the first of three new Staten Island “Ollis Class” Ferries for the City of New York Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) Staten Island Ferry Division. The launch took place at Eastern’s Allanton facility in Panama City, Florida with special attendance by Florida’s Governor
Gulf Island Shipyards was awarded a $63.5 million contract for the detail design and construction of the new Towing, Salvage and Rescue Ship which will be based on existing commercial towing offshore vessel designs and will replace the current T-ATF 166 and T-ARS 50 class ships in service with the US Military Sealift Command.Secretary of the Navy Richard V.
Foss Maritime announced the keel laying of the first of its new class of ASD 90 tugboat, to be built at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders in Freeland, Washington.Nicole Engle, one of the principals of Foss’ parent company, Saltchuk, made the first ceremonial weld of her initials into the keel, assisted by journeyman welder Justina Mackie.
The Chamber of Shipping of America (CSA) honored 104 vessels owned and/or managed by Crowley Maritime Corporation with annual Jones F. Devlin Awards in recognition of their combined 737 years of incident-free service through 2018.Of the 104 vessels awarded, 27 have gone without an incident for 10 or more years, including the following vessels:•Valdez Star, 28 years;•Gus E, MV Chief, MV Guide