Nov. 18
November 18, 2008
Catherine "Cat" Jacobs
November 20, 2008
Gulf Island Fabrication in Houma is large.
Not only does it produce platforms for the big rigs out in the Gulf, the company – the only publicly traded corporation based in Terrebonne Parish – employs more than a thousand workers.
Now, Gulf Island is moving into building boats.
The company, started in 1985, is investing $27 million to open a new subsidiary in Houma that will construct smaller vessels, such as tugboats and supply vessels.
The new yard will include a $6 million fabrication shop, a $15 million dry dock and a new warehouse.
Gulf Island is already building boats, filling an order for a 4,000 hp towboat from Hunter Marine Transport of Nashville, and is working on filling other orders.
In addition to the new yard, the company received $2.3 million in state assistance to make improvements to its facilities. The money will go toward improving a sewage-collection system, a roadway, and a water line. The infrastructure improvements are expected to add more jobs to the thousands already existing.
Gulf Island Marine Fabrication is the company’s fifth subsidiary. The company has several fabrication yards located along the Houma Navigation Canal and one in Texas.
“In 1985, the company chose to locate to Houma for several reasons,” said CEO Kerry Chauvin in a news release. “The two reasons were the Houma Navigation Canal, which allowed the company to be competitive in the oil and gas industry, and the work ethic of the people in south Louisiana.”
Terrebonne Parish President Michel Claudet speaks to Gulf Island Fabrication CEO Kerry Chauvin at a press conference announcing the company’s expansion in mid-October. * File photo Tri-Parish Times
