Metal Shark-Ala. delivers 1st new build

BAYOU LA BATRE, Ala. - Metal Shark’s Bayou La Batre shipyard has delivered its first new build, a 120-foot river towboat for Florida Marine Transporters (FMT) of Mandeville, La. The four-decked, welded-steel, USCG Subchapter “M”-compliant towboat “Stephanie Pasentine,” which bears the distinction of being Louisiana-based Metal Shark’s first-ever steel new-build and also its first inland towboat. The towboat is the first delivery in a three-vessel contract with FMT and signaling Metal Shark’s entry into the inland commercial sector following its acquisition of the assets of Horizon Shipbuilding (Bayou La Batre) in 2018. With the purchase, Metal Shark, best known as a builder of welded aluminum vessels, began to expand into steel shipbuilding. Metal Shark has grown its Alabama operations since acquiring the yard. Under the direction of company management, Metal Shark-Alabama has grown from 23 employees to more than 150. Multiple steel vessels are currently under construction in Alabama, including two additional 120-foot towboats for FMT, as well as a 70-foot steel Z-drive tugboat for North Carolina DOT. Metal Shark Alabama is also highly active in the vessel refit and repair sector. (Source: Metal Shark 05/04/20) https://www.metalsharkboats.com/may-4th-2020-metal-shark-alabama-delivers-steel-inland-towboat-to-florida-marine-transporters-inc/