William Mclean

NASSCO Awarded $940m - T-AKE Ship

General Dynamics NASSCO, a wholly-owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE:GD) , has been awarded a $940m contract from the U.S. Navy for the construction of two T-AKE dry cargo-ammunition ships and to purchase long-lead construction materials for two additional T-AKE ships. Under the contract, NASSCO receives full funding for the construction of USNS Washington Chambers (T-AKE 11) and USNS William McLean (T-AKE 12). Earlier this year, NASSCO received a total of $200m to purchase the long lead materials for these ships. Construction of the Washington Chambers and the William McLean is scheduled to begin in the first and fourth quarters of 2009, respectively. The new contract also provides $200m for procurement of T-AKE 13 and 14's engines and other components that have significant manufacturing lead times. A contract that fully funds both ships is expected by February 2010. Construction of the unnamed thirteenth and fourteenth ships is scheduled to begin in the second and fourth quarters of 2010, respectively. "This contract award permits General Dynamics NASSCO, our team of suppliers and subcontractors to maintain an efficient schedule to build these highly-capable Navy auxiliary ships at the best value to the U.S. government," said Frederick J. Harris, president of General Dynamics NASSCO.

Trailer Bridge Finalizes Senior Loan Amendment

Trailer Bridge, Inc. announced the execution of an amendment to its financing agreement with GE Capital and the addition of four new members to the Company’s Board of Directors. The amendment with GE Capital waives past non-compliance with certain covenants and establishes new financial covenants that the Company is confident it will remain in compliance with. Trailer Bridge has a $15 million revolving credit facility, with actual draws determined by a borrowing base formula

Crowley Crews To The Rescue

The debate surrounding the cost to value of advnanced tractor tugs is ongoing in the marine business, as most normal operations do not always require the swift manuevers and brute strength these vessels posses. Some owners say the tugboats as “overkill”, and bemoan the higher cost of maintenance in comparison to traditionally driven boats. When an incident such as the one that was recently logged in the Prince William Sound of Alaska happens, though

50th Anniversary of Containerization

The History of Containerization Foundation, in cooperation with the Containerization & Intermodal Institute and the Smithsonian Institution, will host the official Gala Celebration marking the 50th anniversary of containerization on April 27 in Washington, DC. On April 26, 1956, the converted tanker IDEAL-X departed Newark, New Jersey en route Houston, Texas carrying 58 aluminum truck bodies in frames installed atop its deck

Pier 11 Set for Destruction

American Bridge/McLean Pier 11 Constructors, a Joint Venture, Williamsburg, Va., is being awarded a $35,000,000 (first increment) firm-fixed price contract for demolition and replacement of Pier 11 at Naval Station, Norfolk. This contract will be incrementally funded with the initial funding today; the total contract amount is not to exceed $91,552,110. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va., and is expected to be completed by April 2008. Contract

Bay-Houston Towing Buys Tractor Tug

Bay-Houston Towing Co. announced that it has purchased the tractor tug C-TRACTOR 1 from Alpha Marine Services. The tug, which will be renamed the WILLIAM M, will be based in Corpus Christi, TX. The WILLIAM M is a true tractor design, with the Ulstein drive units located forward. This allows the twin EMD 16-645 engines to generate 110,000 pounds of bollard pull both ahead and astern. Her design speed is 12 kts.

Prince William Sound Regional Citizens’ Advisory Council

The U.S. Coast Guard issued a Notice stating that it received an application from the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens’ Advisory Committee (PWSRCAC) for recertification under the Oil Terminal and Oil Tanker Oversight and Monitoring Act of 1990. Comments on this application should be submitted by February 1. 70 Fed. Reg. 2181 (HK Law).

This Day in Naval History – Oct. 30

1799 - William Balch becomes Navy's first commissioned Chaplain. (Source: Navy News Service)

Navy Welcomes William P. Lawrence to the Fleet

The Navy welcomed guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) into the fleet during a commissioning ceremony in Mobile, Ala., June 4. The newest Arleigh Burke-class ship, the 60th of its class, is named in honor of the late Vice Adm. William P. Lawrence, a highly-decorated Naval aviator and Vietname prisoner of war.    Lawrence began his naval career as an academic scholar and athlete at the U.S

Coast Guard's 3rd Fast Response Cutter launched

 The Coast Guard announced Wednesday the launch of its third Sentinel-class, Fast Response Cutter, the William Flores, at Bollinger Shipyards, Lockport, La.   The launch of the William Flores into the waters of Bayou Lafourche marks a production milestone as the Fast Response Cutter readies for sea trials, delivery, crew training and eventual commissioning.“The Coast Guard’s new Fast Response Cutters are national assets