Papp to lead Gulf shipyard’s DC ops

Eastern Shipbuilding Group has appointed retired Coast Guard admiral Robert J. Papp Jr. to the post of president of the firm’s Washington operations. The Washington operations appointment is the first time the 41-year-old Gulf Coast shipbuilding firm has established a permanent presence in the nation’s capital. On Oct. 10, 2016, the CG awarded the largest vessel procurement contract in its history to ESG for design and construct of the first series of nine Offshore Patrol Cutters. The contract has options for two additional cutters. (Source: Maritime Professional 01/09/17) Gulf Coast Note: Eastern Shipbuilding Group operates two shipyards in Panama City, Fla., specializing in commercial steel and aluminum vessel construction and repair.