Pacific Northwest shipyards are writing their next chapter

The 438'x105'x25' deck barge Makani Loa was built by Gunderson Marine & Iron for Alaska Marine Lines. Photo by Gunderson Marine

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. The Pacific Northwest is a key hub of the U.S. maritime industry, home to dozens of small and large shipyards that support a diverse range of commercial and government customers. These include the nation’s largest ferry system, a significant portion of the U.S. commercial fishing industry, and much of the Navy’s Pacific fleet. The region also boasts deep expertise in naval architecture and shipbuilding.

Among long-tenured players in the region is Gunderson Marine & Iron, Portland, Ore., which opened as a repair yard in 1919. The company operates a 58-acre industrial waterfront facility — the largest side-launch shipyard on the West Coast — equipped for constructing large river and oceangoing barges as well as other types of steel vessels.

Go to this link to read the full article published by WorkBoat: https://www.workboat.com/pacific-northwest-shipyards-are-writing-their-next-chapter