Successful Light Off for Pasha’s New ConRo

ConRo vessel M/V Marjorie has attained main engine light off while under final construction at VT Halter Marine, Pascagoula, Miss., signaling that the ship’s complex network of systems is complete and functional prior to delivery to Honolulu-based Pasha Hawaii. Sea trials are now anticipated before the end of the month, with vessel delivery to follow in March.

George W. Pasha, IV, President and CEO of The Pasha Group, said, “This critical milestone celebrates the culmination of three and a half years of hard work and dedication by the men and women at the VT Halter Marine shipyard and Pasha Hawaii.”

The addition of the Marjorie C to Pasha’s Mainland/Hawaii trade lane represents a long-term investment to the future of serving Hawaii, the company noted, adding that its commitment of more than $200 million to the Hawaii trade is also a large success for the Jones Act, exemplifying the growing trend of introducing modern vessels into the U.S. shipping industry and strengthening the economy with domestic maritime jobs.

Bill Skinner, CEO VT Halter Marine said, “We are proud to have achieved the last major milestone for delivery of the Marjorie C for Pasha. She is a significant Jones Act ship and we are proud to be associated with such a great company as Pasha. This Jones Act qualified ship along with other ships we are currently building are critical to the future of our shipyard as it is for other commercial US yards. Jones Act vessel construction represents over 80% of our business and keeps over 2,000 people gainfully employed year after year.”

Pasha added that the company will soon offer weekly service with Marjorie C, sailing opposite the Jean Anne, to provide customers with new capabilities for containers and a variety of fully covered roll-on/roll-off cargo.