Page 49: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (August 2025)

THOMA-SEA MARINE CONSTRUCTORS

Thoma-Sea's portfolio is diverse: OSVs, well stimulation ships, research vessels, inland and offshore tugs, ferries, seismic research ships, specialty vessels, barges, and complex trawler-processors. of our size,” Thomassie says. “It was a true feat of engi-

THE ARCTIC FJORD

If one project showcases the yard’s cumulative capabilities, neering, planning, and execution—and a testament to the it’s the Arctic Fjord. Delivered in 2023 for the pollock ? shery, strength of our team and our collaborative relationship with the vessel owner.” the 99.3-meter trawler-processor is a marvel of design and ex- ecution—built during the twin challenges of the COVID-19

THE TRUMP BUMP pandemic and Hurricane Ida.

Thomassie sees promising signs in the Trump administra- “The Arctic Fjord represents the latest and largest new construction of a pollock factory trawler built in the U.S.,” tion’s prioritization of the U.S. marine industrial base. “While other administrations have supported U.S. shipbuilding efforts,

Thomassie says. Designed by Kongsberg, the vessel combines the current administration is putting a much larger emphasis optimized hull ef? ciency, energy recovery systems, and state- on shipbuilding and the Marine Industrial Base than previous of-the-art accommodations for 152 personnel.

ones,” he notes.

The complexity of the vessel pushed TMC’s team to in-

That attention could eventually bene? t mid-sized yards like novate. “We performed more than 90% of the steel forming in-house, including frame bending,” Thomassie explains. The Thoma-Sea, if the policies are crafted with them in mind. “Mid and small-tier shipyards represent a signi? cant portion of the vessel’s sophisticated trawl system includes 14 remote-con- nation’s capacity. This sector is a valuable resource that can trolled winches with advanced sensors and feedback loops. Its be leveraged for growth, especially in addressing supply chain pilot house command center integrates multiple navigation, so- nar, and communications feeds—rivaling the NOAA research constraints,” Thomassie says.

Looking ahead, Thomassie believes federal engagement and ships TMC is now building.

The factory deck features a cascading refrigeration system commercial investment must go hand in hand to strengthen and an automated packaging and palletizing line designed for America’s shipbuilding capacity. “Our hope is that the admin- safety and ef? ciency, replacing manual methods of handling istration further engages with the commercial industry to cre- ate effective programs—ones that are practical and realistic for frozen cargo.

“This ship wasn’t supposed to be possible for a company stakeholders,” he says.

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