Page 41: of Marine News Magazine (November 2020)

Workboat Annual

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WORKBOATS

SMART SPACES

Starck says the GLT facility itself, particularly the way it was designed and laid out, provides core operational strengths and advantages. He refers to the layout as “nim- ble and capable.” With the Travelift, for example, placed in service in 2011, GLT’s team can schedule and sequence multiple new construction and repair projects. The Trav- elift allows for emergency haulout for repairs and, perhaps more importantly, a quick return to service.

This is a busy shipyard. The Towing Company is in the process of a ? eet renewal program to produce a total of ten new harbor tugs for operation in its own ? eet. In 2016, the Shipyard laid the keels for Damen Stan Tug 1907 ICE.

Five are complete, the sixth is under construction. The company builds to a customer’s plans, or it can provide its own designs including several from Damen. Over the years, GLT’s relationship with Jensen Maritime has also resulted in several successful tug designs, including the “Z-

Class” 94-foot ASDs and “HandySize Class” 74-foot twin- screw conventional model.

WORKING ON WORKFORCE

Like many businesses in many locales across the nation,

The Great Lakes Group of companies work to stay on top of challenging workforce issues. “Finding good, quali? ed full- time shipyard employees has always been a challenge for the

Towing Company,” Starck noted. “We have supplemented (our staff) with labor supply contractors for the past several years, and many of those ‘contract’ workers have been here so long, they have become fully integrated into our team. In the meantime, we are always trying to ‘grow our own’ and when we ? nd talented candidates who have unique skills and the right experience, we generally ? nd a place for them.”

The company is active in the workforce space. It has a continuing partnership with area schools to provide in- ternships and on-the-job training opportunities. “This is especially true for the trades,” Starck commented. “Recruit- ment in such ? elds is an ongoing effort, something GLT maintains as a priority within its larger corporate culture.”

GLT’s education and training focus is linked with three local programs: • At Cuyahoga Community College, the Company works with the Advanced Technology Academy Workforce, Commu- nity, & Development Division. GLT assists in the development and implementation of new technologies and has worked with the school to establish pathways for students who are interested in a career in the shipyard or maritime industry. The Com- pany works with instructors to ensure students are receiving the most up-to-date training that re? ects industry trends.