1st Ship Dry Docks at Grand Bahama After Major Hurricane

Freeport-based Grand Bahama Shipyard announced that it drydocked its first vessel since reopening the shipyard after Hurricane Dorian hit The Bahamas.

The Taipei Trader, a 9,932-ton container ship operated by Lomar Shipping Limited, docked at the No. 3 dock this week, for its ongoing drydock, which was interrupted by the hurricane.

Taipei Trader first docked at the yard on August 25 for a routine program including propulsion and thruster maintenance, and preparation of the hull for protective coating application. On August 30, in accordance with the shipyard's hurricane procedures, the vessel had to be undocked and depart the shipyard due to the projected path of Hurricane Dorian.

Following the return and docking of Taipei Trader, Grand Bahama Shipyard resumed maintenance work and repairs on the ship, which are expected to be completed in October.

Earlier this month, the shipyard also announced the return of the 57,062-ton Agathonissos owned by Greece-based Eletson, which is currently at the pier completing repair work started prior to the storm.

Planning remains on track for the next planned cruise ship dry-dock at the shipyard, Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Ecstasy, on October 5.

"We are grateful to our dedicated team members at Grand Bahama Shipyard, whose hard work has made it possible for us to quickly resume dry-dock operations and continue to serve our important maritime clients," said David Skentelbery, CEO of Grand Bahama Shipyard.

"This dry-dock is another important recovery milestone for the shipyard and the community, which will continue to see positive economic activity from the shipyard's ongoing operations and resultant benefit to the island," Skentelbery added.

Skentelbery said: "While cleanup and repair operations were ongoing at the shipyard in preparation for restarting ship repair and drydock activities, our employees continued to volunteer their time, resources and expert skills to assist in recovery efforts across Grand Bahama. We could not be more proud of their efforts to step up when needed to restart the shipyard and to support our colleagues and neighbors."