Page 36: of Marine News Magazine (April 2020)

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SHIPBUILDING REPORT

VT Halter

VT Halter Marine was recently awarded a contract option to build the U.S.

Navy’s fourth Auxiliary

Personnel Lighter–Small (APL(S)) 67 Class berthing and messing barge.

Metal Shark

Among the many projects underway at Metal Shark’s yards is a series of newbuilds for NYC Ferry.

U.S. Shipyards Forge Ahead

Photo: Metal Shark Photo: VT Halter

Through COVID-19

By Eric Haun s the novel coronavirus and its impacts continue to change as situations rapidly develop. Nearly all news surround- spread across America, U.S. shipbuilders, by and large, ing the COVID-19 pandemic is fast-moving, and statuses are continue to build. While most yards have been deemed likely to shift – and maybe even shift again – from the time this

A essential to marine transportation and/or national security article is being written to the time this magazine prints.

and have been able to maintain operations, the situation at Hectic, ?uid and crazy are some of the words used by ship- and around every shipyard is different, and there are several yard representatives when asked about the work situations builders across the country that have had to temporarily sus- at their facilities amid the coronavirus outbreak. But all tell pend activity. In either scenario, it’s far from business as usual Marine News they are diligently monitoring the situation for America’s shipbuilders who will be forced to navigate new and will adjust as necessary to ensure workers and their com- waters in the months ahead. munities remain safe and healthy.

Full disclosure: the information in this report is subject to Marcia Blount, president of Blount Boats in Rhode Island,

April 2020 36 MN