Page 55: of Marine News Magazine (July 2014)

Signet Acquires OTV Fleet Signet Maritime Corporation has completed its acquisition of eight Harvey Gulf International Marine offshore towing vessels (OTVs), in- cluding all spares, business and sup- plies. The modern ß eet will average just 11 years of age. AWO Celebrates 70th Anniversary The American Waterways Opera- tors recently celebrated its 70th anni- versary as a trade association. Found- ed on May 20, 1944, the association has grown into a national organiza- tion representing tugboat, towboat and barge operators on the inland waterways, along the coasts, on the Great Lakes, and in ports and harbors around the country. AWO President & CEO Tom Allegretti noted the associationÕs seven decades of con- tributions to its members and to the country, emphasizing AWOÕs focus on safety, stewardship and service. Oregon Iron Works, Vigor Combine Oregon Iron Works (OIW) and Vigor Industrial (Vigor) said the companies are merging to unite their strengths in advanced manufacturing, shipbuilding and ship repair. OIW will become a wholly owned subsid- iary of Vigor. Foss Maritime Celebrates 125 Years SeattleÕs Foss Maritime, a company that has evolved from a single row- boat into one of the worldÕs leading marine transportation and harbor ser- vices companies, celebrates its 125th anniversary this year. The company was founded in Tacoma, Washington by Thea Foss in 1889, and now serves customers around the world, operat- ing over 130 vessels and employing 1,500 people. Employment at Foss Seattle shipyard has risen to 265, its highest levels ever. Westport Shipyard Purchased Representatives of Westport Shipyard, Inc. (Westport, WA), the largest yacht builder in North America, said the com- panyÕs assets have been acquired by West- port, LLC, an ownership group that in- cludes members of the Chouest family. SPI Appoints Thibodeaux President Superior Performance Inc. (SPI), ap- pointed Mitch Thibodeaux as president. Thibodeaux will oversee the com- panyÕs Þ eld service operations, rental tool equipment line and new product development. PEOPLE & COMPANY NEWS www.marinelink.com MN 55MN July14 Layout 50-59.indd 55MN July14 Layout 50-59.indd 556/18/2014 3:59:13 PM6/18/2014 3:59:13 PM