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There are approximately 40 shipyards in the United States that are currently performing maritime construction and building vessels of 140 feet or longer. These vessels range from super-large oceangoing ships such as cargo ships and oil tankers to smaller vessels such as workboats and commercial fishing vessels. However, the majority of American shipyards focus on the maritime construction of vessels measuring 700 feet or less. For the purposes of this discussion, we will examine vessels within this range. Offshore Supply Vessels This class of vessels includes offshore supply vessels, platform support vessels, workboats, tug supply vessels and more. These vessels are specifically designed to meet the needs of offshore oil & gas companies. Designed to transport equipment, goods and personnel to and from offshore platforms, these ships can also be outfitted to transport hazardous chemicals. Barge Vessels Barges comprise some of the most versatile vessels on the water, including inland and oceangoing petroleum barges, a wide range of tank barges, casino barges and more. While oil barges have traditionally included both single and double hull oil tanks, it should be noted that 2015 is the final year in which single hull barges may be used to transport petroleum products. Workboats/Tugboats Workboats and tugboats are specifically designed for ship docking, escorting and towing large vessels such as oceangoing barges. Also falling into this classification are push boats, which are specially designed to push barges up and down inland waterways. Casino/Gaming Vessels The manufacturing of casino and gaming vessels became a significant part of the maritime construction industry in the 1980s. Dozens of these vessels have been built over the years – with highly specialized features required for this unique class of vessels. Other vessels falling within this classification include dinner cruise vessels and overnight cruise barges (river excursion vessels). Commercial Fishing Vessels The range of commercial fishing vessels is wide and diverse – from Alaskan trawlers to seiners, dredgers, pogy boats, line vessels and many more. Each of these vessels requires specialized designs, equipment and features tailored to maximize the catch of specific fish and other seafood. Military Vessels The United States government periodically calls upon civilian shipyards for the maritime construction of military vessels such as U.S. Coast Guard patrol boats and various naval vessels including cruisers, destroyers and many more. Oilfield Specialty and Research Vessels These vessels are highly specialized and can range from remote operated vehicles to acidizing vessels, seismic vessels, well-stem vessels and other technologically advanced craft built to perform specific scientific and research tasks. While there are a number of shipyards that design and build the vessels outlined here, one such maritime construction company company that stands out is LEEVAC Shipyards – located in Jennings, Louisiana with easy access to the Gulf of Mexico. With the capabilities to design, manufacture and launch vessels up to 700 feet in length, LEEVAC is a full-service shipyard that features state-of-the-art facilities, the latest technology, steel fabrication and highly skilled craftsmen. Founded in 1913, LEEVAC offers a century of experience and proven expertise and has served virtually every aspect of the commercial maritime industry – building vessels to international specifications that have been deployed worldwide.
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