Gulf Island Shipyard to expand labor force

Written by Marine Log Staff
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T-ATS

Gulf Island Fabrication Inc. (NASDAQ: GIFI) plans to expand the workforce at its Houma, La., Gulf Island Shipyards division.

According to an announcement by Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards and Gulf Island Fabrication Inc. President and CEO Richard W. Heo, the company will create 106 new direct jobs at an average annual salary of $48,000, plus benefits, to accommodate orders for marine vessel construction. Those orders include ferries, university research vessels funded by the National Science Foundation, and towing, salvage and rescue ships for the U.S. Navy.

“Gulf Island has long been recognized as a leader in the construction and repair of marine vessels,” Edwards said. “Shipyards have been a pillar of our coastal economy for many years, and this employment expansion at the company’s shipyard facility near Houma is welcome news for Terrebonne Parish and the surrounding area. Gulf Island should find our skilled workforce in the Bayou Region ready and able to take on the shipyard’s increasing workload.”

Available positions including ship fitter, welder, tacker and pipe fitter jobs. A company career fair will be held Thursday, October 29, from noon to 6 p.m. at Fletcher Technical Community College on 331 Dickson Road in Houma.

“We are excited to partner with LED as we look to hire, develop and retain talent in our operations in Louisiana,” Heo said. “This partnership will help build jobs and drive economic investments in the community, especially during these challenging and uncertain times. Due to our long duration contracts with the U.S. Navy and the National Science Foundation, we have an active recruiting effort underway for both professional and skilled craft positions, with an immediate need to hire over 100 craft individuals into our Shipyard Division.”

LED began discussions with Gulf Island about a potential workforce expansion in June 2020. To secure the project, the state of Louisiana offered a competitive incentive package that includes the comprehensive solutions of LED FastStart—the state’s workforce development program. The company also is expected to utilize the state’s Quality Jobs Program.

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