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Blount Marine News

21 Aug 2009

Mini-Cruise Ships Sold

Marcon International, Inc. of Coupeville, Wa. reported that the sales of the two U.S. flag mini-cruise ships Wilderness Discoverer (ex- Mayan Prince) and Wilderness Adventurer (ex- Spirit of Adventure, Caribbean Prince) have concluded. Both vessels were sold by creditors JPMorgan Chase to private Pacific Northwest interests for Alaskan operations to begin in May 2011. The vessels will be operated under a new small ship adventure brand called InnerSea Discoveries, which is designed to be more adventuresome and appealing to a broad spectrum of younger-minded and experiential travelers.

23 Apr 2001

Blount Names Daughter As ACCL Successor

Maritime veteran Captain Luther Blount, the 84-year-old founder of American Canadian Caribbean Line (ACCL), has named his daughter, Nancy Blount, as president of the small ship cruise line. Captain Blount, the founder and president of the line, which is headquartered in Warren, R.I., has retired as president of ACCL. While he will still hold the title of the line’s chairman, Nancy will assume duties as president – making here one of the few women to hold such a post in the cruise industry. “We have had a succession in place for some time,” Captain Blount said. “Over the years, Nancy has been assuming more responsibility in the operations of our cruise line. Prior to her current position, Ms.

05 Jan 2004

Bristol to Oversee Two Ferry Newbuilds

Construction is progressing for the new Subchapter “K” passenger ferry vessels, M/V Isleño at Blount Boats, Inc. (BBI), Warren RI and M/V Caribeña at VT Halter Marine, Inc. (VTHMI), Pascagoula, MS. Bristol Harbor Marine Design (BHMD) is serving as a liaison for the Puerto Rico Ports Authority (PRPA), providing construction oversight for the vessels servicing the Fajardo-Vieques-Culebra Ferry Line. On July 15th, 2003, BBI signed a contract with the PRPA to construct a 155-ft. cargo/passenger ferry similar to a previous design by the yard. The construction of this vessel will be similar to the M/V Cayo Norte, built by Blount Marine in 1995. Four (4) MTU DD12V2000 engines coupled to 2.9:1 Twin Disc 5202 gears will provide 3220 BHP.

27 Dec 2000

Blount-Barker Shipbuilding Formed

Blount-Barker Shipbuilding Corporation was recently formed and James A. Barker has been named the President and CEO. Blount-Barker, based in Warren, R.I., specializes in the design and shipbuilding of tugboats, cruise ships, high-speed ferries and dinner and passenger vessels. The new company takes over the activities of the Blount Marine and Blount Industries entities, and operates as a separate corporation. As part of the new venture, Mr. Barker assumes management of Blount's shipyard and personnel, with the option to purchase the operations should they be sold in the future. "Jim Barker brings complementary experience that will greatly enhance the capabilities of the new Blount-Barker venture," said Luther H. Blount, founder of Blount Marine and Blount Industries.

24 Jan 2001

Blount-Barker Shipbuilding Formed, Barker Named CEO

Blount-Barker Shipbuilding Corp. was recently formed, and James A. Barker has been named the President and CEO of this new venture. Blount-Barker, based in Warren, R.I., specializes in the design and shipbuilding of tugboats, cruise ships, high speed ferries and dinner and passenger vessels. The new company takes over the activities of the Blount Marine and Blount Industries entities, and operates as a separate corporation. As part of the new venture, Barker assumes management of Blount's shipyard and personnel, with the option to purchase the operations should they be sold in the future. "Jim Barker brings complementary experience that will greatly enhance the capabilities of the new Blount-Barker venture," said Luther H. Blount, founder of Blount Marine and Blount Industries.

14 Mar 2001

Blount Retires From ACCL; Names Daughter As Successor

Maritime veteran Captain Luther Blount has done it again in terms of firsts in the maritime industry - the 84-year-old founder of American Canadian Caribbean Line (ACCL) has named his daughter, Nancy Blount as president of the small ship cruise line. Captain Blount, the founder and president of the line, which is headquartered in Warren, R.I., has retired as president of ACCL. While he will still hold the title of the line's chairman, Nancy will assume duties as president - making here one of the few women to hold such a post in the cruise industry. "We have had a succession in place for some time," Captain Blount said. "Over the years, Nancy has been assuming more responsibility in the operations of our cruise line. Prior to her current position, Ms.

26 Jul 2002

Blount-Barker Awarded Contract For Conversion

Blount-Barker Shipbuilding signed a contract on April 15th with Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) to convert the M/V Essex to passenger only service. The 100 ft. open deck passenger/auto ferry with single ended propulsion will be converted to increase the maximum capacity from 149 to 600. Modifications include a conversion to double ended propulsion, enclosing the main deck and providing a steel canopy to cover the upper deck. The vessel will be converted for inspection and certification as a small passenger vessel in accordance with the requirements of 49CFR Subchapter K. The M/V Essex was originally built by Blount Marine Corporation in 1981 for the Lake Champlain Transportation Company.

21 Aug 2007

Gladding-Hearn Co-Founder Dies at 87

Richard C. “Dick” Hearn, who co-founded Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, died July 3rd at his home in Arizona. He was 87. Born in London, Mr. Hearn emigrated to the U.S. with his family at the age of six. They settled in Rhode Island, where Mr. Hearn later studied business administration at Bryant College before serving with the Army-Air Corps in the Pacific Theater during World War II. After the war, he returned to R.I. where he taught mathematics at a local high school and accounting at Bryant. After serving as treasurer at Blount Marine, Mr. Hearn and Preston Gladding, the shipyard’s naval architect, formed Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding in 1955, to build steel workboats on the Taunton River in Somerset, Mass.

05 Nov 2002

Passenger Ferry M/V Freedom Launched

The 100 ft. passenger ferry M/V Freedom was launched today on the ways at Blount/Barker Shipbuilding, llc in Warren, R.I. Bristol Harbor Marine Design designed and oversaw the construction of the 100 ft. passenger ferry conversion for the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA). 149 to 600. systems and provision of a partially enclosed upper deck viewing area. K requirements in the design. R.I. auto/passenger ferry, under USCG Subchapter T requirements. vicinity of Camden and Philadelphia.

07 Sep 2005

Tanks for the Memories

How many things that we thought were forever, that were around since the beginning, have vanished absolutely from view? If you're twenty or over, you may recall the typewriter, and large offices packed with clattering Underwoods. Audiocassettes. The beercan opener ("churchkey"). The Automat cafeteria. The steam tugboat. Depending on how far back you go, you once knew any one of these - all, if you're at the height of middle-age. But which was the last one you saw? Remember its name, and the day you saw it? Did you know it would be the last time? When did it first strike you that it's been ages since you saw one? Do you ever wish you could see one again? Don't hold your breath. There are still steam tugs around, but you won't find them shipdocking.