The Tribune

Grand Bahama Shipyard has increased its employment of Bahamians by 35 per cent over seven years, injecting $70 million and 2,600 jobs into the economy last year.

Speaking at the Bahamas International Investment & Business Forum, the Shipyard’s (GBS), chairman and chief executive, Carl Rotkirch, explained that since it opened in April 2000 it had steadily grown into one of the most important ship repair facilities in the Western Hemisphere.

“We run a 24/7 operation,“ said Mr Rotkirch. “Our work is 75 per cent commercial and 25 per cent cruise ship, and on average we employ 700 workers per month. Our management is modern and we currently dock 100 ships a year.”

According to independent research that was conducted on the Shipyard, Mr Rotkirch said “that despite the global financial crisis and recession that had affected many shipyards, GBS has shown consistent growth and had increased its employment of Bahamians by 35 per cent from seven years prior”.

“In addition,” he added, “we have developed a pool of local labour subc-ontractors, representing over 200 persons – proving you can find the manpower on island.”

Mr Rotkirch said: “Over 2,600 jobs paying close to $70 million in income were created throughout the economy of Grand Bahama as a result of the ship repair operations.

“Of the 2,600 jobs, over 720 with the yard, 870 were generated by the Shipyard in local business work and some 1,000 jobs came from spending by ship owners and ship’s crew within the local businesses.”

In addition to these statistics, the chief executive said the Shipyard had bought over $28 million in supplies and services locally, and paid $12 million in estimated government agency fees, including work permits, NIB contributions and customs duties.

“I am, though, most proud of our increase in Bahamians managers, specialists and foremen, which has increased over 45 per cent since 2004,” Mr Rotkirch said.