The Tribune

Gathering together his staff for the annual mid-year review, Grand Bahama Shipyard’s (GBS) chief executive, Carl Rotkirch, congratulated his team on a successful year to-date.

Highlighting the yard’s ever-improving safety record, the reduction of time lost on the job and the increase in safety vigilance, Mr Rotkirch said: “Besides the work we knew about, we were all able to adjust to unexpected work – and we figured out how to get more ships on our docks, plus repair the largest cruise ship in the worl in less than five days.”

He added that the Shipyard had been full in January, February and April, with over 50 ships repaired so far in 2014. More than 100 apprentices are working and learning at the company, and this summer it will take on 20 apprentices from local Government programmes.

Joining Mr Rotkich during the presentation to the mopre than 250 staff on the day-shift team was Reuben Byrd, chief operations officer at the Shipyard. Mr Byrd said: “You are the face of GB Shipyard. Everywhere you go and all you do here represents us, and we all must strive to get to the next level.”

He noted the Shipyard’s success over the last five years, and added: “But in order to grow more we need to increase our capacity and, most importantly, embrace new technology – and we can’t be afraid of it, as it will only make us better.”

Mr Byrd said the GB Shipyard Board were looking to lengthen dock number two 2, plus finish the north beach and east beach areas.

“We’ve built a good team here,” said Richard Dorsett, welding foreman. “Over the last 10 years we’ve had some good changes and I am very pleased with my work here and what we are doing as a team to benefit everyone, and especially my fellow Bahamians.”

Prospects for the rest of year look strong as the Shipyard has a steady flow of business for 2014. It hopes to increase that work, and anticipates that its recent success will make them the yard of choice worldwide.

“We have shown the ship repair world that we can do it all,” said Mr Rotkirch. “So I say: Bring it on!”