Pasha Jones Act newbuild achieves main engine light off

Nearing completion at VT Halter Marine, Marjorie C is set for sea trials this month

FEBRUARY 18, 2015 — Honolulu-based Pasha Hawaii reports that its ConRo (combination container/roll-on/roll-off) newbuild M/V Marjorie C has attained main engine light off, a major milestone prior to delivery from shipbuilder VT Halter Marine’s Pascagoula, MS shipyard.

Main engine light off signals that the complex network of ship systems is complete and successfully working together. Sea trials are now anticipated before the end of the month, with vessel delivery to follow in March.

“This critical milestone celebrates the culmination of three and a half years of hard work and dedication by the men and women at the VT Halter Marine shipyard and Pasha Hawaii,” said George W. Pasha, IV, President and CEO of The Pasha Group.

The addition of the Marjorie C to the Mainland/Hawaii trade lane represents a substantial long-term investment in the future of serving Hawaii. Pasha Hawaii says its commitment of over $200 million to the Hawaii trade is also a large success for the Jones Act, exemplifying the growing trend of introducing modern vessels into the U.S. shipping industry and strengthening the economy with domestic maritime jobs.

Bill Skinner, CEO VT Halter Marine, said, “We are proud to have achieved the last major milestone for delivery of the Marjorie C for Pasha. She is a significant Jones Act ship and we are proud to be associated with such a great company as Pasha. This Jones Act qualified ship along with other ships we are currently building are critical to the future of our shipyard as it is for other commercial U.S, yards. Jones Act vessel construction represents over 80% of our business and keeps over 2,000 people gainfully employed year after year.”

“Hawaii communities are highly dependent on reliable, efficient, and scheduled ocean transportation services,” added Mr. Pasha. “We are pleased to soon offer weekly service with Marjorie C, sailing opposite the Jean Anne, and to provide our customers with new, complementary capabilities for containers and a wide variety of fully covered roll-on/roll-off cargo.”

Specifications: Marjorie C
Hailing Port: Honolulu
Length: 692 feet
Beam: 106 feet
Draft: 31 feet
Deadweight: 21,132.5 metric tons
Quarter Stern Ramp Capacity: 350 metric tons
Number of Decks: 9
Quarter Stern Opening – 39’4″ wide x 20’8″ high
Crane Capacity: 40 metric tons
Container Capacity – l,400 TEU
Automobile Capacity: 2,750