Ship Repair: Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding Delivers Major Conversion

Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding has delivered the newly-converted barge Commander to Port City Marine Services (PCMS) of Muskegon, Michigan. 

The Commander is a 495 x 72-ft. freight barge that underwent extensive conversion, including the installation of new cargo holds, trunk deck and bow, and a new cargo unloading system. Combined with its tug, the vessel operates as an Articulated Tug Barge unit.

Port City Marine Services is experienced in the management, conversion and operation of a variety of vessels including bulk freight ships and ATBs across the Great Lakes in the United States and Canada.

“This conversion was quite unique and challenging as it utilized the full breath of our skilled shipbuilders and the trades they represent along with our engineering and program management team,” said Todd Thayse, Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding Vice President and General Manager. “We worked closely with local engineering group Bay Engineering (also located in Sturgeon Bay) and the PCMS management group during the planning and construction phases.