Gulf Craft Building New Ferry for US Virgin Islands
Franklin, La. shipbuilder Gulf Craft LLC in November kicked off construction on new Incat Crowther-designed passenger ferry for the U.S Virgin Islands.The new USCG Subchapter-K approved, 104-foot (32-metre) vessel will service the busy tourist and commuter route between Red Hook on the island of St. Thomas, and Cruz Bay on the island of St. John. Currently, two other Incat Crowther-designed 28-metre vessels service this route.The simple yet stylish new ferry will be designed with…
Two Incat Crowther Boats Under Construction
construction at Gulf Craft LLC in Louisiana, USA. The vessels’ operator, SEACOR Marine, is a progressive company that pioneered the use of fast catamarans in the offshore industry with the commissioning of SEACOR Cheetah in January 2008, and SEACOR Cougar in April 2009. The operator intends to push the boundaries even further with these larger, faster vessels, by offering increased capacity and comfort. The vessels will each be powered by four MTU 16V4000 M73L main engines, which will drive Hamilton HT-810 water jets. The vessels will have the capacity to reach speeds in excess of 46 knots.
Offshore Update: Waiting on Feds to Issue Permits
Marine companies along the Gulf of Mexico have seen little new business since the offshore drilling moratorium was lifted in early October as oil producers apply for permits and decide how to navigate costly safety regulations. At Bollinger Shipyards, Inc., one of the top U.S. boat builders, Chief Executive Officer Boysie Bollinger, said “we're waiting for BOEM to start issuing offshore drilling permits, and no one has any idea when that will be.” He wonders if the government knows when more permits will be released.
MARAD $14.7M in Grants for Small Shipyards
On April 15, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced $14.7m in grant awards to help improve 17 small shipyards in 16 states. The funds will help these shipyards become more competitive by purchasing modern equipment and training workers. “These grants will help modernize small shipyards and strengthen our economy by making sure we maintain the ability to build and repair ships in the United States,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Small shipyards are an important part of our nation’s shipbuilding industry,” said David Matsuda, Acting Maritime Administrator. The grants, which are part of the Assistance to Small Shipyards program…
