The Boothbay Harbor Shipyard will replace its large marine railway transport cradle thanks to a $360,900 Federal Grant.
“We hope to begin replacing the railway cradle as soon as possible,” said Doane Heselton, the yard’s vice president. “The new cradle will be wider and open up new markets for us. It will also let us become more efficient.”
The grant was announced Friday by U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe and Susan Collins.
“For more than 135 years, Boothbay Harbor Shipyard has capably and skillfully provided shipbuilding services. The installation of a new marine transport railway cradle will enhance the shipyard’s efficiency and increase operational capabilities, allowing the company to better meet the needs of its commercial and government clients,” the senators said in a joint statement.
Heselton said Mary Ellen Barnes of the Lincoln County Economic Development Office helped obtain the grant.
“These Maritime Administration grants are designed to help American shipyards compete for better projects,” said Barnes. “It will allow them to work on vessels that are up to 750 tons.”
Barnes praised the Maine congressional delegation for their help with the project, including Republican senators Snowe, Collins and Democrat Rep. Chellie Pingree.
