GLDD CEO Lasse Petterson (L) and Philly Shipyard president and CEO Steinar Nerbovik (R) clarify the position of subsea rock installer to President Biden. [Photo: Philly Shipyard]
President Joe Biden visited Philly Shipyard, Thursday, because the yard and Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company (GLDD) celebrated the slicing of first metal for the primary Jones Act-compliant subsea rock installer vessel (SRIV).
“Today is a monumental day in the history of Philly Shipyard,” stated Philly Shipyard president and CEO, Steinar Nerbovik. “Over the past several years, we have made a conscious effort to pivot toward a more diversified order backlog. Philly Shipyard is proud to contribute to the delivery of a vessel which will be essential in achieving the nation’s offshore wind targets.”
“We are pleased to be partnering with Philly Shipyard and look forward to continuing our collaborative working relationship during the construction of this first U.S. rock installation vessel,” stated GLDD CEO Lasse Petterson in remarks the place he revealed the title of subsea rock installer — Acadia —for the primary time. “We are pleased to get construction started as Great Lakes has already won contracts for this Jones Act compliant vessel.”
“With our investment into offshore wind, we are also helping achieve the administration’s goal of creating American jobs in this new power generation market,” continued Petterson. “The Acadia will provide employment for U.S. union crews including at the steel mills producing the steel for the vessel, at the quarries producing the rock, at the ports and facilities loading our vessel, and the marine crews operating the vessel. This market will continue to grow, and we are pleased to be one of the leaders in the U.S. maritime industry investing in offshore wind.”
SUPPORT FOR JONES ACT
Introduced by Philly Shipyard Welder Apprentice Emily Andrewson, President Biden gave an handle during which he underscored his assist for the Jones Act and for the job-creating advantages of offshore wind growth.
Here’s a little bit of what he stated:
“Look, some people could not know there was a regulation in 1920 known as the Jones Act that was handed. (Applause.) It says ships touring between U.S. ports need to be American-built, American-owned, and have American crews. But there are some content material to depend on ships constructed abroad with out American crews to function them.
“Again, not on my watch.” (Applause.)
“We’re strengthening American shipbuilding, supporting good union jobs, and bringing offshore wind provide chains again house.“
- You can learn the White House transcript of his full speech HERE
