Last side-launch initiated by launch system creator, James Mackie
Under near perfect weather conditions earlier this month, Fincantieri Marinette Marine launched the final Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ship in its traditional dynamic side-launch fashion. At the trigger poised to initiate the process was a familiar person, wearing his signature style shirt and trying unsuccessfully to contain his exuberance.
James Mackie, clad in one of his preferred “aloha” shirts - one with a maize-colored Michigan “M” embroidered on the chest pocket - was excitedly smiling as he arrived several hours ahead of the ceremony. He knew his way around the shipyard, but he also noted how much the facilities had changed over the years.
And Mackie should know. The 72-year-old Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. native came to Marinette in 1976, after graduating from University of Michigan. Mackie joined the engineering team working in what was at the time, a dirt shipyard with only a few buildings on its 50-acre riverside lot.
Walking along the shipyard’s waterfront in 2023, Mackie recalled what the shipyard looked like in the 1970s. “I am absolutely blown away [at the improvements made]. I love what you’ve done.”
When Mackie began working at then-Marinette Marine Corp., one of his first major projects was to design a system capable of launching vessels of various sizes and shapes into the Menominee River adjacent to the shipyard. What he built has become a critical component of each vessel’s history…its first dramatic plunge into the aquatic world.
Mackie admitted to being cautiously concerned for the initial launch back in late 1977. “Man, was I nervous!” he offered. He was confident in the calculations and work completed. The evening prior to the first launch, one of the shipyard leaders, Jim Derusha, summoned Mackie to meet him at the shipyard after hours. Mackie obliged and hurried to the now-dark shipyard to find the vice president of operations hopping out of his familiar red truck in socks - no shoes - to take one last look at preparations and the system.
As he recalled this meeting, Mackie said that he and Jim Derusha walked through the entire system, confirming calculations and covering contingencies. In the end, Derusha looked Jim in the eye and declared, “We are ready.” Mackie was relieved to have his boss’ confidence, but until they had a successful launch, Mackie continued to carry an invisible-but-weighty burden on his shoulders.
To make matters worse, Mackie remembered a vivid nightmare he had the week of the first launch in which the ship launched in the wrong direction and ended up on land. Physics and the force of gravity would obviously prevent that from ever happening, but the pressure of getting it right was important to Mackie, and he knew how many people were counting on him.
Mackie and the team orchestrated the initial launch, and his system was a resounding success. At the conclusion of the launch, Harold Derusha, then-president of Marinette Marine, came to Mackie, shook his hand, looked at him and said, “Now get back to work.”
Jim laughed as he recalled this moment. Memories seemed to swirl in his mind and his eyes glistened from pride of hard work realized.
Mackie retired from the Marinette shipyard in 2005, after 54 successful launches on his system. He was later invited back to help launch the first Navy Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ship, the USS Freedom (LCS 1), in 2006, as well as the final launch April 15, 2023, of the future USS Cleveland (LCS 31).
To say that Mackie relishes every launch is an understatement. The launch of LCS 31 marked the 70th vessel to enter service by way of his launch system. And he was there again to start the process that allows gravity to take the ship into water. As anticipated, Jim was his usual self, jumping up and down and yelling, ‘Go! Go! Go!’ The launch system worked flawlessly again.
In 2008, Mackie decided to “un-retire” and join the shipbuilding team at Austal USA in Mobile, Ala. There, he is a naval architect and dockmaster, and it’s no surprise that his teammates there appreciate his knowledge, experience and unquestionable love of shipbuilding.
Many Marinette Marine employees who knew Mackie flocked to the launch area in hopes of catching up with him. Jim was happy to see so many Marinette friends from decades past, and conversations typically turned to the next ship launch system: the shiplift under construction by Pearlson Shiplift Corp. Coincidentally, Jim went to college with two of Ray Pearlson’s sons. He maintains great respect for the Pearlson family and their maritime accomplishments.
Mackie remembered being impressed with Raymond Pearlson’s original shiplift design, as well as his personal drive to gain support and build a business around his brilliant invention. He thinks that the decision to use one at Marinette was a prudent call.
“You made a wise decision in going with the shiplift,” said Mackie. He emphasized the reduced risk and recovery aspects. “My ship launch system cannot do that,” he regretfully concluded with a wry smile.
Justin Slater, currently serving as the director of sales and marketing at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding, was hired by Mackie years ago at FMM. Slater describes him with similar terms as others use: brilliant, humble, personable, and overwhelmingly competent. “He is quite a character, but also, he is one really smart gentleman,” Slater added.
“We are in a very unique industry,” said Mackie. “Most people see a ship and they have no clue about what it takes to build them, let alone what it takes to get them in the water.”
But Fincantieri does. We know that shipbuilding is a team sport, and when your team is comprised of people like Jim Mackie, you are destined for calculated success.
A few weeks ago we posted a couple of short videos on social media about Mr. James Mackie, a former Marinette employee who designed the side-launch system in Marinette back in the 1970s. Our digital team was able to catch up with Jim when he attended the final launch using this system, however there was so much interest in Jim and his experiences building the launch system that our team put together this video which tells more of his interesting story (and backstories).
One of the most important aspects of the final side launch is our future method of launching ships will use a shiplift to put vessels into the water. We will also have the capability to recover vessels, or take them from the water and back to land for inspections or additional work. It was a big decision to take on the expense of building the largest ship lift in the U.S., but we knew we were going to build larger vessels for the U.S. Navy, namely Constellation-class Frigates. And a shiplift made sense. So we ended up hiring Pearlson Shiplift Corp., largely because they are the best in the world at this.
As we talked with Jim Mackie, he made us aware of a connection between Jim and the Pearlson family and their business. Small world, eh?
We hope you enjoy learning more about Jim and his experiences with our ship launch system.
Crowley Maritime Corporation partners with Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding to support Shell Trading (US) Company.
Shell and Crowley have committed to reducing fuel emissions and are partnering with Fincantieri Marin Group to achieve their mission.
While research is still ongoing as to the ideal clean fuel, Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) is currently the leading commercially viable alternative to heavy fuel oil (HFO). Orders for LNG-powered ships are rising, with large cargo ships being the number one driver. Not surprisingly, the demand for LNG bunkering barges is also increasing.
Learn more about marine fuel emissions legislation.
Crowley Maritime Corporation partnered with Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding on the largest LNG bunkering barge built in the United States.
When complete, this 416-ft vessel will offer a capacity for 12,000 m3 (3.17 million gallons) of LNG. It will be the second LNG bunker barge Shell has added to its fleet under a long-term charter in the US.
“The new bunker barge will extend Crowley’s commitment to delivering cleaner, innovative solutions to help the shipping industry continue on the path to de-carbonization,” said Tucker Gilliam, Vice President of Crowley Shipping.
Fincantieri has designed and constructed two large articulated tug-barges (ATB) for Crowley and was chosen to build this transformative vessel.
LNG Bunker Barge Experience and Expertise
“Our growing expertise and partnerships in the LNG transportation business are recognized by the industry and position us well in this growing market. We are pleased Crowley selected our team at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding to execute this important and highly visible project.” Todd Thayse, Vice President & General Manager of Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding.
The Crowley LNG bunker barge is the third Fincantieri has designed and constructed. Polaris New Energy’s Clean Canaveral had its inaugural run in March 2022. A second LNG bunker barge for Polaris New Energy is being built concurrently with Crowley’s.
Fincantieri Facilities
LNG bunker barges are built at the Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding (FBS) in Sturgeon Bay, WI.
Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding has climate-controlled manufacturing facilities allowing manufacturing to continue year-round, independent of weather conditions. The shipyard is equipped with a U.S. Navy-Certified Floating Drydock, a Graving Dock, ample Waterfront space, and lifting capacity to meet the most demanding requirement.
We recently completed a $250 million capital expansion plan, including updates and improvements for the FBS facility, including a new floating drydock, computer-aided manufacturing equipment, and climate-controlled manufacturing facilities.
FBS has the capacity to build additional LNG bunker barges in parallel with the existing order book.
Learn more about the outlook for LNG bunkering barges.
Fincantieri Marine Group is the U.S. subsidiary of one of the world’s largest shipbuilders. Established in the late 1700s, Fincantieri is legendary for designing and building military vessels, highly specialized support vessels, ferries, cruise ships, and mega yachts.
Services include new construction, repair, maintenance, and conversions in state-of-the-art shipyards that operate year-round.
For more information about LNG bunkering barge construction contact:
Justin Slater
Director of Sales and Marketing
Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding
605 North 3rd Avenue
Post Office Box 830
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Office: 920-746-3373
Justin.Slater@us.fincantieri.com
Building on the successful delivery of the Clean Canaveral, Polaris New Energy Partners with Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding to build a second LNG Bunker Barge.
90% of everything we consume is moved via the sea. However, the emissions from the combustion of heavy fuel oil (HFO)—primarily to power massive container ships—are significant. Legislation is driving the need to lower pollution through alternative fuels.
The recently proposed Clean Shipping Act of 2022 is targeting a 100% reduction in carbon intensity by 2040, with a progressive reduction starting in 2027.
While research is still ongoing as to the ideal clean fuel, Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) is the leading solution. It is estimated that 400 new vessels using LNG will be built worldwide over the next several years.
Learn more about marine fuel emissions legislation.
While still in the build phase of their first LNG bunker barge – Clean Canaveral, Polaris New Energy commissioned a second 5,500-cubic-meter LNG bunkering barge to expand their ability to bunker a wider variety of ships along the East Coast.
Tim Casey, Senior Vice President – LNG for Northstar, recognized the growing opportunity to deliver LNG to cruise ships, container vessels, bulk carriers, car carriers, and tankers.
“LNG is recognized as a clean, dependable, and competitively priced fuel for the shipping industry. The completion of this sister vessel to the Clean Canaveral further distinguishes Northstar’s capabilities to manage the last-mile logistics of LNG safely and effectively across the US coastline. The new capacity will provide unmatched reliability and flexibility in the current market and is the next step in our strategy to create a complete platform of LNG logistical solutions for marine customers.” ~ Tim Casey, Senior Vice President, Northstar.
Once again, Northstar’s Polaris New Energy partnered with Fincantieri due to our bunker barge design experience, strategic planning, ability to deliver on time—even during a pandemic, and ability to mitigate business risks.
Tim Casey continued, “We’re excited to be moving forward on the second barge with Fincantieri. They proved to be the right partners to build the Clean Canaveral. Despite the global challenges of the last two years, they have performed above expectations, and we are confident that they’ll do the same with this second barge as they leverage their unmatched experience gained during the construction of the Clean Canaveral.”
Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding (FBS) is the primary commercial business unit of Fincantieri Marine Group (FMG) in the United States. FMG’s president and CEO, Dario Deste, offered the following on the contract announcement: “Our team at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding is once again showing why they are the U.S. market reference point for LNG bunkering vessels.”
Learn more about the outlook for LNG bunkering barges.
LNG Bunker Barge Experience and Expertise
Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding is reinforcing its reputation for on time delivery in the emerging LNG Bunkering vessel market. Clean Canaveral had its inaugural bunkering in March 2022 and, based on this success, Polaris New Energy commissioned the constructing of a second bunkering barge. A third LNG Bunkering vessel is already under construction for Crowley.
Fincantieri Facilities
LNG bunker barges are built at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding (FBS) in Sturgeon Bay, WI.
Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding has climate-controlled manufacturing facilities allowing manufacturing to continue year-round, independent of weather conditions. The shipyard is equipped with a U.S. Navy-Certified Floating Drydock, a Graving Dock, ample Waterfront space, and lifting capacity to meet the most demanding requirement.
We recently completed a $250 million capital expansion plan, including updates and improvements for the FBS facility, including a new floating drydock, computer-aided manufacturing equipment, and climate-controlled manufacturing facilities.
FBS has the capacity to build additional LNG bunker barges in parallel with the existing order book.
Fincantieri Marine Group is the U.S. subsidiary of one of the world’s largest shipbuilders. Established in the late 1700s, Fincantieri is legendary for designing and building military vessels, highly specialized support vessels, ferries, cruise ships, and mega yachts.
Services include new construction, repair, maintenance, and conversions in state-of-the-art shipyards that operate year-round.
For more information about LNG bunkering barge construction contact:
Justin Slater
Director of Sales and Marketing
Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding
605 North 3rd Avenue
Post Office Box 830
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Office: 920-746-3373
Justin.Slater@us.fincantieri.com
The largest US LNG Bunker Barge enters service in March 2022. It was built at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay, WI.
Legislation is driving the need to lower pollution through the use of alternative fuels. The Paris Agreement, the International Convention on the Prevention of Pollution from Ships treaty (MARPOL), the Clean Air Act, and the recently proposed Clean Shipping Act of 2022 all target Greenhouse Gas emissions reduction caused by Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO).
While research is still ongoing as to zero-carbon fuel options, Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) is currently the leading commercially viable low carbon solution. LNG offers a reduction of sulfur oxide, nitrogen oxide, and carbon dioxide as compared to HFO. The demand for an economical supply of LNG fueling is growing rapidly—and it is estimated that 400 new vessels using LNG will be built over the next few years.
Learn more about marine fuel emissions legislation.
When NorthStar Midstream entered the LNG bunkering business in 2018, the first LNG bunker barge was not operational. They knew they were entering unchartered waters, with high potential business risks.
They wanted to transport LNG from JAX LNG (Jacksonville, FL) to Port Canaveral, FL (roughly 100 nautical miles) to fuel cruise ships (primarily the Disney Wish).
Anticipated Challenges
Unanticipated Challenges
Northstar’s Polaris New Energy partnered with a company who has a reputation for reducing business risks due to its expertise in design, strategic planning, and ability to deliver on time—Fincantieri Marine Group.
Todd Thayse, Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding’s Vice President and General Manager, said, “…we are excited to bring the expertise of Fincantieri, our bunker barge design knowledge, and our passion for delivering the highest quality, on-time products to the LNG market. The hard-working, proud women and men of Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding will once again provide the quality and eventual on-time delivery the maritime industry has come to know and expect from our shipyards.”
The shipping industry’s rate of LNG adoption is high. Clean Canaveral is the third LNG Bunkering vessel built in the U.S.A. and the first LNG bunker barge built by Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding. As emission standards change, this number will only increase.
The proposed Clean Air Act legislation is targeting 100% reduction in carbon intensity by 2040, with a progressive reduction starting in 2027.
The Clean Canaveral, only the third LNG bunkering barge in the U.S., was built on time during a pandemic and “as expected, performed very well during the bunkering process,” according to Tom Sullivan, Senior VP of Operations for Seaside LNG Holdings.
Tim Casey, Senior VP LNG for Northstar, said this about Fincantieri, “They [Fincantieri Marine Group] proved to be the right partners to build the Clean Canaveral. Despite the global challenges of the last two years, they have performed above expectations.”
Download Clean Canaveral Specification Sheet
Learn more about the outlook for LNG bunkering barges.
LNG Bunker Barge Experience and Expertise
With three LNG Bunkering Barges in serve or under construction Fincantieri shipbuilding is well positioned to support the growing trend towards LNG fueled ships in The U.S.A.
Clean Canaveral is already in operation in Florida and Fincantieri is the chosen partner of Crowley for future LNG Bunkering vessels.
“Our growing expertise and partnerships in the LNG transportation business are recognized by the industry and position us well in this growing market. We are pleased Crowley selected our team at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding to execute this important and highly visible project.” Todd Thayse, Vice President & General Manager of Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding.
Fincantieri Facilities
LNG bunker barges are built at the Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding (FBS) in Sturgeon Bay, WI.
Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding has climate-controlled manufacturing facilities allowing manufacturing to continue year-round, independent of weather conditions. The shipyard is equipped with a U.S. Navy-Certified Floating Drydock, a Graving Dock, ample Waterfront space, and lifting capacity to meet the most demanding requirement.
FBS recently completed a $70 million capital expansion plan for the FBS facility, including multiple climate-controlled manufacturing facilities.
Fincantieri Marine Group is the U.S. subsidiary of one of the world’s largest shipbuilders. Established in the late 1700s, Fincantieri is legendary for designing and building military vessels, highly specialized support vessels, ferries, cruise ships, and mega yachts.
Services include new construction, repair, maintenance, and conversions in state-of-the-art shipyards that operate year-round.
For more information about LNG bunkering barge construction contact:
Justin Slater
Director of Sales and Marketing
Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding
605 North 3rd Avenue
Post Office Box 830
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Office: 920-746-3373
Justin.Slater@us.fincantieri.com
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