Swiftships Completing 20-Acre Repair Yard In Freeport, Texas

Swiftships, Inc., one of the world's largest shipbuilders, announced plans to construct a 20- acre repair facility in Freeport, Texas.

When the facility begins initial operation on August 15, it will become the fourth shipyard owned and operated by the Morgan City, La.-based company.

The Central Texas Gulf Coast location was chosen, according to Swiftships president Jerry L.

Hoffpauir, for two very specific reasons. "First, tug-supply and large crewboat traffic off the Texas and Mexican coasts is increasing rapidly, and second, there is no other complete repair yard in the immediate area." Mr. Hoffpauir added, "We simply think its about time domestic vessels in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico had a complete repair facility nearby, and Swiftships is proud to provide one." The shipyard will be located on the Intracoastal Waterway at its junction with Union Bayou (or one mile from the mouth of the Brazos River—Freeport Ship Channel). On site will be an area for the construction of 250-foot and larger deck barges, plus a travel lift and two large drydocks.

The first drydock, scheduled for completion on September 15, will be 180 feet long, 62 feet wide (between wing walls) and will hold up to 2,500 tons. An additional drydock, to be completed November 1, will be 200 feet long, 82 feet wide, and will hold up to 3,500 tons.

The travel lift will have a capacity of 165 tons and the ability to haul a variety of large vessels —from 125-foot aluminum crewboats to 115-foot steel supply boats.

Managing the new repair facility for Swiftships will be Gulf Coast shipyard veteran Victor Pratka.

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First published in 1881 Maritime Reporter is the world's largest audited circulation publication serving the global maritime industry.