New Pacific Industrial Enters U.S. Shipbuilding with Historic Vancouver Yard
In a significant development for the U.S. shipbuilding industry, a new player has entered the scene with the establishment of a shipbuilding facility in Vancouver, Washington. New Pacific Industrial (NP), under the leadership of experienced shipyard executives, has secured a two-vessel contract from American Marine Corporation. This marks a historic moment as it represents the first newbuild tug order in American Marine’s 50-year history.
Reviving Historic Infrastructure for Modern Shipbuilding
NP is utilizing the infrastructure of Kaiser Shipbuilding’s Vancouver Shipyard, which dates back to the World War II era and is now part of the Columbia Business Center. The site, with assembly bays that are approximately 80 years old, has been leased to various steel fabricators and suppliers. NP’s operations cover an area of approximately 180,000 square feet, including high-bay fabrication spaces, laydown areas, heavy lift cranes, and access to barges and rail. NP describes this infrastructure as scalable, providing a solid foundation for their operations.
Unveiling the First Vessel Design
The first vessel to be constructed by NP is a 122-foot, 6,000-horsepower, 85-ton bollard pull line haul tugboat. This vessel, designed by Glosten, is specifically tailored for American Marine’s ocean towing operations. Peter Soles, Glosten’s business development principal, emphasized the importance of creating a vessel that is not only capable and practical but also comfortable for living and working on long missions. The tug is built to withstand the rigors of ocean towing for decades.
Joe Corvelli, CEO of NP and a seasoned professional with experience at Gunderson, Vigor, and Gibdock, highlighted the company’s commitment to excellence. He emphasized that NP was founded on the principles of having experienced personnel, robust infrastructure, and a customer-centric approach. By embarking on a newbuild program with partners like American Marine and Glosten, NP aims to showcase its dedication to delivering high-quality, innovative vessels from the outset.
This venture signifies a new chapter in the maritime industry, with NP bringing fresh energy and expertise to the shipbuilding landscape. As the company sets sail on its maiden voyage with the construction of these tugboats, industry observers are keen to see the impact of this new entrant on the market. Stay tuned for more updates as NP’s journey unfolds.
