Jonathan Whitworth News

Gulf Copper and Manufacturing Corporation has appointed Jonathan Whitworth as a member to its board of directors.Whitworth, a graduate of Texas A&M University at Galveston (TAMUG), brings his extensive working history and experience back to Texas. He holds an MBA in Finance with a focus on marine business and currently serves as vice chairman of the TAMUG Board of Visitors.“I feel very fortunate to have retired and moved back to Galveston Island, a city which has a rich maritime history and a place with great memories for both me and my wife,” said Whitworth.

On behalf of its Board of Directors, Seaspan ULC (Seaspan) announced today that long-serving Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jonathan Whitworth, will be retiring at the end of 2017. Jonathan announced to the Board in 2016 his timeline to retirement. A search for his successor immediately commenced and Seaspan is also pleased to announce that Frank Butzelaar, President and CEO of a related company, Southern Rail Link (SRY), has been identified as Jonathan’s permanent replacement effective April 3, 2017. Frank’s transition will commence on March 3 and he will continue to work closely with Jonathan throughout 2017 to ensure a smooth handover.

Domestic ferries adjust their business models to met regulatory pressures and exceed environmental standards with an eye towards improved service. And, not a minute too soon. In North America, stalwarts in the ferry business continue to shorten journey times compared to surface alternatives, while at the same time, bring accessibility to barrier and coastal islands that would otherwise be impossible to reach. Established stakeholders continually fine-tune their operations in a…

The 'Seaspan Swift' is the first LNG-battery hybrid cargo ferry in North America. The vessel features two dual-fuel engines and a Corvus lithium ion energy storage system (ESS), which operates as spinning reserve and provides propulsion power for low-speed maneuvers. The cargo ferry will be joined by a sister ship, Seaspan Reliant, in early 2017, after which the operator will order a further three ferries, according to Seaspan CEO Jonathan Whitworth. The 148m vessels, designed by Vard Marine…

The Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation, in conjunction with Seaspan, announced today a multi-year, multimillion dollar investment in the future of British Columbia’s marine industrial sector. The commitment totals $2.9 million and includes a three-year, $900,000 donation by the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation to three institutional trades training programs in Canada. This donation has been given in support of the Industrial and Regional Benefits Policy program under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS).

Seaspan has named three new Vice Presidents to its Senior Leadership Team, announcing the appointments of Linda Wortman as Vice President, Finance & Accounting; Catherine Chick as Vice President, Business Services & Technology; and Shawn Chylinski as Vice President, Health, Safety, Environment & Quality. As Vice President, Finance & Accounting, Linda is responsible for strategic financial oversight of the marine division and corporate services. She is a key advisor to the CFO and Executive Leadership Team and ensures information and metrics are available to inform value added business decisions. Linda joined Seaspan in 2008 as Controller, Marine and was appointed to the role of Vice President, Finance & Accounting in January 2016.

Seaspan hosted a groundbreaking ceremony today to announce it has officially started construction on a new head office in North Vancouver. The 7,800 square metre (84,000 square foot) corporate headquarters, scheduled for completion in late 2017, will be constructed at the foot of Pemberton Avenue on the south western spit of the property. Once complete, the building will be four storeys high and include state-of-the-art office space, meeting rooms, expanded bike storage, electric vehicle charging stations, a full-service cafeteria, as well as panoramic views of the Vancouver Harbor front. It will house 350 Seaspan staff (up from the current 130) from across its various companies.

Seaspan Marine unveiled the newest addition to its marine fleet, a 16,000-metric-ton barge named Seaspan 252, during an official commissioning ceremony at Seaspan’s North Vancouver Barge Maintenance Terminal today. The 114-meter-long by 27.5-meter-wide bulk barge is the largest of its kind in Canada, and can carry the equivalent of 1,454 standard dump truck loads of limestone. Designed by Robert Allan Ltd. of Vancouver, B.C. and constructed by Seabridge Marine Contractors Ltd. at Jiangsu Yanzijiang Shipbuilding Co. Ltd.

Brent Hale has joined Seaspan as vice president of human resources, the company announced. As part of Seaspan’s senior executive team, Hale will provide leadership for strategic plans, and guide the development and implementation of human resources and labor relations initiatives and processes to achieve its corporate goals. “I am very pleased to welcome Brent to the Seaspan family and our world-class leadership team, said Jonathan Whitworth, CEO, Seaspan. Hale joins the company from ICBC where he served as director of strategic HR and governance.

Today, Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards officially celebrated the completion of its two-year, $170M Shipyard Modernization Project ahead of schedule and under-budget. Funded entirely by Seaspan, this project has transformed Vancouver Shipyards into the most modern facility in North America that will establish a shipbuilding and ship repair centre of excellence on the West Coast, and allow for the effective and efficient delivery of Non-Combat vessels for the Canadian Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy. “Today is a celebration for Seaspan, and words cannot express how proud I am of the incredible transformation of Vancouver Shipyards,” said Jonathan Whitworth – CEO, Seaspan.

North Vancouver, BC — Jonathan Whitworth, Seaspan CEO, announced today that it has signed agreements with both the Canadian Merchant Service Guild (the Guild) and International Longshore Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 400 to enter into binding arbitration/mediation. Following extensive discussions with the Honourable Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of the Status of Women, Seaspan and both unions have agreed to allow the Federal Government to appoint an arbitrator who will run the process and be responsible for setting the terms of reference. Once the arbitration is complete, the outcome is binding and cannot be challenged by Seaspan or its unions.

During North American Occupational Health and Safety (NAOSH) week Seaspan welcomed Walter Gretzky on a tour of its Vancouver Shipyards. For those not in the know, Walter Gretzky, is a Canadian who is best known as the father of NHL legend Wayne Gretzky, but also for his dedication to helping many local, provincial, and national charities. With North American Occupational Health and Safety (NAOSH) week well underway across the continent, Seaspan welcomed Walter Gretzky to its Vancouver Shipyards to underscore the importance of health and safety in the workplace.

Seaspan CEO  addresses concerns raised by the Parliamentary Budget Officer about the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS). (Seaspan affiliate companies include Vancouver Drydock, Vancouver Shipyards and Victoria Shipyards). We are confident the NSPS program as described in 2010, as awarded in October 2011, and as signed in the umbrella agreement (UA) on February 14, 2012, is solidly on track. Since the signing of the UA, Seaspan has realized success in building the right management team, processes and infrastructure to set the yard up for long-term success. When Seaspan was awarded the Non-Combat program package, we hoped to have secured a design contract in about one year. We signed it last week, four months past the one-year anniversary of the contract award.

A groundbreaking ceremony today at Vancouver Shipyards, in North Vancouver marks a significant milestone in the re-development of the shipyard into a world-class facility that will build a new generation of vessels for the Canadian Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy. Construction will result in the completion of four new fabrication buildings, a shipbuilding gantry crane and a load-out pier. Seaspan will invest approximately $200 million into the yard to deliver outstanding value to the Federal Government and efficiently build the new Non-Combat ships.

North Vancouver, BC - Seaspan Shipyards announced that the Canadian Coast Guard has elected to spend $5.2 billion for the construction of additional ships under the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS) program, along with other capital expenditures, under last week’s Federal Budget. Under the original NSPS award, from October 19, 2011, Vancouver Shipyards has been chosen to build Canada’s Non-Combat vessels. Vancouver Shipyards will be working closely with the Canadian Coast Guard to determine the timing and sequence of the additional vessels announced last week. “We are extremely excited about last week’s announcement and are looking forward to fulfilling our commitment of providing the best quality ships to the Government of Canada…

Brian Carter is joining Seaspan Shipyards as President, assuming this role full-time beginning January 9, 2012. In this role, Brian is responsible for delivering the long-term strategic plans of Seaspan’s three shipyard operations (Vancouver Drydock, Vancouver Shipyards and Victoria Shipyards). In addition to working with Seaspan’s senior management team at both the corporate and shipyard level, one of Brian’s key areas of focus will be aligning the shipyard group for long-term success under the new $8 billion Federal Fleet Renewal Program.

Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards was chosen as the prime contractor to build the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS) program’s non-combat vessels. The $8 billion program will not only inject billions into the local economy, but it will create an average of 4000 jobs over the next 8-years. In addition, the Federal Government has plans for a further 17 vessels which should fall under the non-combat package. “We are honoured to have been chosen to provide non-combat vessels for the men and women of the Royal Canadian Navy and Coast Guard,” said Jonathan Whitworth, Seaspan CEO. “We have a long and established track record of working with the Canadian Navy and Coast Guard in building ships on time and on budget.

Seaspan Marine Corporation is pleased to announce that it has been ranked 8th among the top 50 defence companies in Canada for 2011 by Canadian Defence Review (CDR) magazine. Each year, CDR commissions an expansive search to determine the top defence companies in Canada. An evaluation panel consisting of CDR editorial staff and independent advisors rank the companies based on factors such as economic impact, innovation, contribution to the nation’s security and support of Canada’s military.

Seaspan International announced the largest tug build commitment of a single class of vessels in over 35 years. The company signed a contract with Sanmar Denizcilik Shipyard, of Istanbul Turkey; to build four state-of-the-art ship assist tugs. The prime duties for these tugs will be to dock, undock and escort ships in Vancouver Harbor and Roberts Bank. The RAstar 28 m tugs will feature full fire fighting capability and upon arrival will be amongst the most powerful vessels to sail BC waters.

Maritrans Inc., announced that following Hurricane Ivan, the Company's fleet is operating under regular conditions and servicing ports in both the Southeast and Northeast. The severe weather conditions caused by Hurricane Ivan as well as Hurricanes Charley and Frances resulted in temporary delays in service. Jonathan Whitworth, CEO of Maritrans, commented, "Consistent with Maritrans' commitment to adhere to the highest safety and environmental standards, we implemented precautionary procedures that protected our crews, our vessels and our customers' cargos during these three storms. While erratic weather is not unusual during the third quarter…

Maritrans Inc. announced that it has entered into a three year agreement with Seabrook Carriers Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fairfield-Maxwell LTD. to time charter the M/V Seabrook, a single-hull oil tanker with a carrying capacity of 230,000 barrels. The agreement will expire in July 2008, after which time the vessel will no longer be eligible to transport petroleum products in accordance with the Oil and Pollution Act of 1990. Subject to delivery and meeting required compliances, the M/V Seabrook will enter Maritrans' service on or about October 1, 2005 and will be deployed into the Company's clean products trade route along the Gulf Coast. The M/V Seabrook will also be available for voyages to the U.S. West Coast and the Northeast.

Overseas Shipholding Group Inc. has a definitive agreement to acquire Maritrans Inc., for $455 million. Terms call for New York-based Overseas Shipholding to acquire Maritrans in an all-cash transaction for $37.50 a share, a 47 percent premium over Maritrans' closing price of $25.50 on Sept. 22. OSG also will assume Maritrans' debt outstanding as of June 30, according to a release from the companies. OSG will finance the deal through a combination of available cash and borrowings under existing credit facilities, the release said. Maritrans ships crude oil and petroleum products, and owns and operates one of the largest fleets of double-hull vessels serving the East coast and U.S. Gulf coast. OSG is one of the largest publicly traded tanker companies in the world.

According to reports, Maritrans Inc. reported net income for the quarter ended March 31 was $5.8 million, or 48 cents a share, compared with $3.7 million, or 43 cents a share, in the same quarter last year. Revenue for the first quarter of 2006 was $47.4 million, compared to $43.5 million in the year-ago period. Maritrans said utilization of its fleet was lower in the first quarter of 2005 than in the year-ago period. In a release, Jonathan Whitworth, chief executive, said higher than expected refinery maintenance cut the volume of products available to move and lowered results. Net income for the just-ended first quarter included $4 million in insurance proceeds, resulting in a gain of $2.9 million or 15 cents a share, related to the loss of the tugboat Valour, the release said.