Bollinger Shipyards announces leadership changes

Bollinger Shipyards LLC (“Bollinger”) today made a number of leadership announcements following the recent acquisition of Bollinger Mississippi Shipbuilding (BMS) and Bollinger Mississippi Repair (BMR). The announcements reflect leadership changes at BMS and BMR, as well as Bollinger Lockport New Construction and Bollinger Marine Fabricators in order to best align titles and functions across all 14 Bollinger facilities.

“I’ve always said Bollinger’s greatest strength is its people and I believe that wholeheartedly,” said Ben Bordelon, President and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards. “As we grow and expand, it’s important that the leadership team grow and reflect the organization – both where it is today and where we’re heading in the future. Today’s announcements strengthen our team, provide opportunities for efficiency and enhance growth within organization. I’m confident that we have the people, skills, capability and dedication to meet the needs of our customers, no matter how big or complex, and provide them with the highest levels of quality, support and service in our industry.”

Chris Remont has been named Executive Vice President and General Manager of Bollinger Mississippi Shipbuilding (BMS). In this role, Chris will oversee the facility’s ongoing and future programs and is responsible for execution and delivery. Chris was previously EVP for New Construction Programs at Bollinger.

Bob Merchant has been named Vice President of Operational Strategy & Integration. Bob will be responsible for the strategic overview of companywide functional business units. Specifically, he will review performance, synergies and operations plans to ensure support of Bollinger’s optimal strategy and best enable future growth and success. Bob previously served as President and CEO of VT Halter Marine. Bob spent most of his career at Ingalls Shipbuilding leading programs critical to both the business and the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard.

While Tim Martinez will remain the Executive Vice President of Repair for Bollinger, he will now oversee Bollinger Mississippi Repair (BMR).

Geoffrey Green has been named Executive Vice President of Government and External Affairs, where he will oversee all state and federal government relations, community relations, communications and marketing activities. Geoffrey previously served as Vice President for Government Affairs for Bollinger.

Mark Matta has been named Director of Program Management for Bollinger Lockport New Construction and Bollinger Marine Fabricators. Mark will be responsible for program execution of the U.S. Coast Guard Fast Response Cutter (FRC), U.S. Navy Mine Countermeasures Unmanned Surface Vessel (MCM USV) program, as well as multiple projects in support of the U.S. Navy Columbia Class Submarine program.

Jeffrey Gehrmann has been named the General Manager of Bollinger Mississippi Repair.

Earlier this month, Bollinger announced the acquisition of Bollinger Mississippi Shipbuilding and Bollinger Mississippi Repair, formerly VT Halter Marine and STEHMO. The transaction enhances Bollinger’s new construction and repair capabilities so that it can better serve its key defense and commercial customers.

Notably, all ongoing programs at VT Halter Marine and STEHMO were conveyed with the transaction, including the Polar Security Cutter (PSC) program for the U.S. Coast Guard and the Auxiliary Personnel Lighter-Small (APL(S)) program for the U.S. Navy. Those programs will continue to be built at Bollinger Mississippi Shipbuilding.