#United States #Hornblower Group #BridgePort #Steelpointe Shipyard #Bridgeport CT

Hornblower's Historic Expansion in Bridgeport

Hornblower Group has made a significant announcement with the expansion of its maritime facilities in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The unveiling of the newly expanded Steelpointe Shipyard marks a momentous occasion for the local maritime industry, significantly increasing the operational footprint from 1 acre to 17 acres.

Unprecedented Growth and Commitment

The expanded shipyard, situated at 731 Seaview Avenue, is a testament to Hornblower's dedication to bolstering maritime services in the region. With its robust history in the maritime sector spanning over a century, this expansion symbolizes a strong commitment to enhancing operations and improving community relations. Shull Autin, Chief Maritime Officer of Hornblower Group, expressed excitement over this development, asserting it signifies Hornblower's intention to create a central hub for maritime operations along the East Coast.

The newly inaugurated Steelpointe Shipyard is now equipped to accommodate a wide range of services, including vessel construction, management, propulsion, consulting, and specialized yachts and recreational craft services. The investment translates into state-of-the-art facilities, with 45,000 square feet of indoor operational space, three large marine travel lifts capable of lifting vessels up to 700 tons, and a service dock stretching 220 feet. The shipyard is poised to become a vital player in the region's maritime landscape, serving various clients from government agencies to private yacht owners.

Expanding Capabilities

This expansion is a major leap forward for Hornblower's operations, enabling the company to streamline vessel servicing, maintenance, and complex project execution—all with an increased focus on quality and timeliness. Junior Volpe, Senior Vice President of Vessel Construction & Repair, highlighted the importance of local community support in the successful growth of Hornblower Marine since its inception in Bridgeport. He also underscored the company's intention to develop the next era of maritime innovation within the community.

Timothy O’Brien, SVP of Ferries & Concessions Operations, reiterated that the new development reshapes the potential for integrated maritime services at one of the East Coast's prominent deep-water ports. Through collaboration with local property owners, Hornblower aims to maximize the shipyard's offerings.

Hornblower Marine will provide comprehensive services through six specialized divisions tailored to meet the needs of its diverse clientele. These divisions include:

• - Hornblower Marine Construction: Focusing on design, retrofitting, and maintenance of various vessels.
• - Hornblower Marine Propulsion: Offering diagnostic and repair solutions for propulsion systems.
• - Hornblower Marine Management: Providing owner representation and new build support.
• - Hornblower Marine Consulting: Offering strategic advisory services for operational planning and fleet expansion.
• - Hornblower Marine Services: Delivering technical support throughout the vessel lifecycle.
• - Hornblower Marine Yachts: A newly launched division aimed at providing maintenance programs for yachts and recreational vessels, ensuring services that meet industry standards typically reserved for high-profile commercial operators.

Conclusion

The expansion of Hornblower’s Steelpointe Shipyard is more than just the growth of physical space; it symbolizes a new chapter in maritime services for Bridgeport. With advanced capabilities and a dedicated workforce, the shipyard is set to redefine industry standards while contributing positively to the local economy. As Hornblower continues to leverage its century-long expertise to support maritime innovation, the local community is poised to benefit greatly from enhanced job opportunities and diverse maritime services. For anyone interested in the evolving landscape of maritime services, Steelpointe Shipyard signifies a promising future, ensuring that high-quality service and community engagement remain at the forefront of its mission.

For further details, visit Hornblower Marine's official website.