Southeastern New England Shipbuilding Corporation (SENESCO), the North Kingstown-based shipyard, has signed a major contract with Barges Unlimited, a subsidiary of Seaboats, Inc. of Fall River, Massachusetts.
SENESCO will build an 80,000-barrel, 320-foot double hull barge. The contract value is in excess of $6.5 million.
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With this contract SENESCO will manufacture the largest double-hull barge ever constructed in the Northeast. Work on the project is expected to begin immediately and is expected to take up to one year to complete. When finished, the barge will be used by Seaboats for the transportation and delivery of light oil products.
SENESCO currently employs 110 people. However, as a direct result of this contract, the shipyard expects to add 40 to 50 new skilled workers. This represents nearly a 50 percent increase in the company’s workforce.
“SENESCO’s growth has been systematic and well planned. We also have a tremendous and highly skilled workforce that is a primary factor in our success to date,” said SENESCO President Bob Homan.
He said the contract is “the next major step in the company’s plan to become a major shipbuilding entity in the United States.”
“This project will provide a great opportunity for new jobs and an increased presence for shipbuilding in the Northeast,” he said.
Don Church, owner of Seaboats, Inc., agreed.
“This is a very important day for Seaboats and for SENESCO,” said Church. “I know SENESCO can provide the quality of work and dependability I am looking for with a project of this large scope. To have these kinds of shipbuilding services in the Northeast is truly a tremendous asset to the industry. I look forward to working together with SENESCO.”
SENESCO began work in the North Kingstown shipyard in the fall of 1999. Since that time the company has completed 21 contracts ranging from small floats to a 165-foot dredge.
SENESCO worked closely with the state’s Department of Human Services and the Family Independence Program. Through the program, the company has hired 10 employees.
