Peter Fetten named new Americraft Marine chairman

Peter Fetten, chairman, Americraft Marine

Peter Fetten has been named chairman of Americraft Marine, the Libra Group maritime subsidiary that owns and operates the St. Johns Ship Building shipyard in Palatka, Fla.

Fetten comes to the role with four decades of experience in the marine engineering and shipbuilding sectors. Prior to joining Americraft, he held senior roles at Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean, as well as Blohm and Voss where he worked for 15 years. He is also the initiator/developer of Grand Bahamas (Freeport) Shipyard. He holds degrees in naval architecture and welding engineering from the University of Hamburg.

“We are committed to delivering excellence in shipbuilding, including supporting skilled American workers that are the backbone of a strong Jones Act fleet,” said Omear Khalid, CEO of Americraft Marine. “Leveraging Peter’s significant global expertise, we look forward to advancing our capabilities to meet the needs of our clients, both today and tomorrow, and to support a strong and vibrant U.S. economy.”

Fetten’s appointment comes at a key inflection point for the company as it ramps up its production, including CTVs used to service offshore wind. Last year, St. Johns delivered the Windea Courageous CTV supporting the construction of Vineyard Wind I, America’s first commercial-scale offshore wind farm located in New Bedford, Mass.

“We are at a pivotal moment in American shipbuilding, which is the cornerstone of economic competitiveness. Investment in this vital sector is critical to ensure the U.S. continues to lead in the global economy,” said Fetten. “I am honored to support the mission of Americraft Marine, working with its strong leadership, as it aims to bolster its work at St. Johns, and beyond.”

Americraft Marine is one of three maritime subsidiaries of the privately-owned Libra Group, a privately owned business group whose 20 subsidiaries have assets and operations in nearly 60 countries. Other maritime subsidiaries include Lomar Shipping and Seapath, a company formed to address the need for critical investments in America’s maritime economy, including marine industrial technologies and Jones Act vessels.