Byrd Appointed SVP Operations, Grand Bahama
Reuben Byrd, a 28 year maritime industry veteran has been appointed Senior Vice President Operations of the Grand Bahama Shipyard Ltd., effective September 14, 2009. Byrd joined the team at the yard in time for the start of this year’s cruise season. In his capacity as SVP Operations, Byrd will report to the Chairman and CEO, Calle Rotkirch, oversee the day to day operations of the shipyard and develop the yard for future expansion. Before assuming his role at Grand Bahama Shipyard Ltd., Byrd served in several executive positions, most recently as Vice President of Repair and Conversion Operations for Bender shipbuilding in Mobile Alabama. He previously was with Tampa shipbuilding and repair as VP of Production until the sale of the yard.
Edison Chouest Buys Florida Shipbuilder
According to the Daily Comet, Edison Chouest Offshore has confirmed that it is starting a new shipbuilding operation in Tampa. The Galliano-based ship builder will take over a lease formerly held by the Tampa Shipbuilding and Repair Company. The property is owned by the Bender Group of Mobile, Ala. Chouest plans to build offshore supply boats and other vessels, but terms of the deal were not disclosed. (Source: Daily Comet)
Ship Repair & Conversion Prospects
While it is difficult to find an industry where fierce competition and price wars are not the hallmarks, it seems at times that the ship repair industry has created and patented the formula. Ship repair and conversion yards have weathered years of cut-throat battling, as a slew of new, low-cost competitors regularly make an appearance. The trend is predicted to continue indefinitely. In general, ship repair operations are weathering many of the same financial, corporate and political storms as other major industrial companies. According to Dennis Stonebridge, a shipping consultant for Drewry Shipping Consultants, the forecast revenue for 1998-2003 is likely to fall in total by an estimated 1.5 percent.
