Boothbay Harbor Shipyard News

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…

Cindy and Jon Smith of Southport both have their tug licenses but these days they are mostly shore-based running Interport Towing & Transportation. The jointly owned company has three tugs that do coastal towing as well as providing support for marine construction. They also have a Tier 2-compliant Cummins-powered crew boat that does standby and transport work for dredging and construction work. With this diversity there is always a project underway. Most recently this has been the repower of their tug Lucinda Smith.