Gulf Coast Shipyard to outfit LNG vessels at Port of Gulfport

Gulf Coast Shipyard Group, the manufacturer of ocean-going and inland marine vessels, has announced its expansion by signing a three-year lease with one-year options with the Port of Gulfport.

Gulf Coast Shipyard Group will use the 400 ft of dock space on the Port’s East Pier, and 15 000 ft² of warehouse space, to outfit the dual-fuel liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered vessels the company is building for Harvey Gulf International Marine.

Company president, John Dane III, commented: “We are pleased to work with the Port of Gulfport and grow our business in Mississippi. We’ve worked together in the past on a smaller scale and look forward to this expanded relationship.”

Green Marine initiative
The Port of Gulfport is undergoing a US$ 570 million restoration, which is due to be completed in approximately 18 months. “We’re excited about doing business with Gulf Coast Shipyard Group and welcome the new business opportunities and jobs they will bring to the Port of Gulfport,” explained Jonathan Daniels, CEO of the Mississippi State Port Authority (MSPA). He continued: “It is important to note that the vessels, powered by LNG fuel, will have reduced emissions and fit in well with the Port’s newly approved Green Marine initiative.”

The Port has been recruiting new tenants since Daniels became CEO at the MSPA in June 2013. Daniels said he expected the deal with Gulf Coast Shipyard Group to be the first successful conclusion of several lease discussions the Port currently has underway.

Dane continued: “We envision having 20-70 workers on the Port while completing each vessel. These will be trade jobs - painters, electricians, carpenters, mechanics - some of whom will be Gulf Coast Shipyard Group employees and some of whom will be employed by our subcontractors and suppliers.”

Gulf Coast Shipyard expects the first vessel to be at the Port of Gulfport in mid-March.

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/lng-shipping/23012014/company_to_outfit_lng_vessels_at_port_of_gulfport_78/