American Maritime Holdings News

The National Maritime Education Council (NMEC) informs that Michael S. Torrech, CEO of American Maritime Holdings, a leader in the repair, shipbuilding, and maritime industry, has been named as its new chairman to succeed John Lotshaw of Huntington-Ingalls Shipbuilding. Mr. Torrech, a founder of the NMEC, will lead the organization's strategic development of a national standardized maritime workforce program that addresses the critical issues facing the industry. "I am passionate about helping the maritime industry develop and deploy a workforce development program and curricula that will be available throughout the United States," said Mr. Torrech. Tim Johnson, Executive Director of the NMEC, is looking forward to working with Mr. NMEC explains that Michael S.

BAE Systems  entered into a definitive agreement with American Maritime Holdings, Inc. to acquire Marine Hydraulics International, Inc. (“MHI”), a privately held company that operates a shipyard, pier and waterfront facilities in Norfolk, Va. The proposed acquisition would complement BAE Systems’ support to its customers with enhanced readiness and sustainment maritime services. MHI is a marine repair, overhaul, and conversion company serving the U.S. Navy, Military Sealift Command, Maritime Administration and commercial ship owners and operators worldwide. The company employs approximately 400 people and would be integrated with the BAE Systems Ship Repair business.

The high cost of recruiting, hiring and training  the thousands of skilled shipbuilding and repair professionals needed across the country each year, coupled with the need to increase productivity has left executives in the industry searching for answers. In response to this need, industry leaders recently launched a national initiative called the Lighthouse Campaign. On December 6-7, 2011, the leadership team of the Lighthouse Campaign sent representatives to a meeting at NCCER headquarters in Alachua, Florida.