Grants support Gladding-Hearn shipyard efficiency upgrades

Photo Credit: Gladding-Hearn.

Financial support from federal and state agencies has enabled Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corp., to complete capital projects aimed at improving efficiency and safety at its Somerset, Mass., shipyard.

Using a Small Shipyard Grant from the U.S. Maritime Administration, the company replaced heavy bi-fold doors at its 12,000-square-foot Walker Street facility. The previous doors required two cranes and up to six employees to open, according to Peter Duclos, shipyard co president and director of business development.

“We avoided using the doors, and as a result, we were not fully utilizing the shop space, said Duclos. “The new doors can be opened and closed in minutes by one person.”

Grant funding also supported the purchase of a custom 35-ton self-propelled Hostar trailer designed to move vessels under 60 feet more safely and efficiently. The split design allows the trailer to back under a vessel and support it using sliding keel beams and hydraulic arms. In addition to rubber tires, the trailer is equipped with cradle wheels that allow vessels to be launched on the shipyard’s marine railway and moved directly to and from shops for repair.

“Our old method of using cranes to move, lift, and transfer a vessel onto the railway was complicated and time-consuming,” said Duclos.

Separately, a grant from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center was used to construct a sheltered plate storage area. The structure allows metal plating to be stored outdoors on racks while remaining protected from weather exposure.