Brazilian owner set to build five PSV’s at Eastern Shipbuilding

The U.S. Maritime Administration appears to have approved a request from Boldini, S.A. of Brazil for Title XI ship financing guarantees on $227,177,000 over 25 years to cover construction of five platform 282 ft supply vessels at Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Panama City, Fla.

A statement from the office of Senator Bill Nelson is quoted by local media as saying that the Senator got word of the decision earlier today from  Maritime Administrator David Matsuda. The statement says that Federal transportation officials estimate the job will add some 300 new workers to Eastern’s payroll.

“The work could start in as soon as six months,” Senator Nelson said.  “This will create well-paid jobs during a critical period in Florida’s economic recovery.”

Senator Nelson has been involved in advocating for a decision on a loan guarantee from the Martime Administration for Boldini for some time now. In December, he wrote Mr. Matsuda in support of the pending $250,000,000 contract.  

March 8, 2011