b'Looking at other opportunities, Duclos sees potential in the off shore wind industrys need forvessels.Heisconcerned,however,that when decisions are made to go into high gear, it will be difficult to ramp up quickly enough to meet demand. TheBidenAdministrationhasindicated off shorewindwillbeanimportantpartof itsenergyplansandtheNortheast,herein New England, there are some promising wind projectsintheworks,Duclosexplained. Im just worried that we wont have the right workforceinplaceatamomentsnoticeto handle the urgency of the projects.This isnt a new concern. Every PVA Associate member who is in the shipbuilding and repair arenahasraisedthisissueforyears.Skilled labor in the shipbuilding industry nationwide hasalwaysbeenamajorfactorforcreating qualityvesselsontime,andthepandemic Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding is located in Somerset, MA on the Taunton River.hasnt helped. Credit: Gladding-Hearn ShipbuildingItsalittlefrustratingthateveryonekeeps authority. It is slowing coming back.And, inDuclos has also heard from several passengersayinghowmanypeopleareonthemarket Florida, another PVA vessel operator tells mevessel operators about the upcoming need forlooking for jobs now, but I havent been able that they are sold outbut thats with reducedrepair work in order to be ready for service.to fi anyone in quite a while who has thend passengercapacity.Still,itsbetterthanlastHe is hopeful that this is a good sign for thespecifi c skill set we need in shipbuilding, he summer. reopeningofthepassengervesselindustrysaid. Thats a problem.overall. PRECISE 360 PROPULSION EXCEED GLOBAL EMISSIONS STANDARDS PLUS FULL AUXILIARY POWEROperate a lightweight vessel equipped with hybrid or electric engines. Reduce your operating and maintenance costs. Minimize your environmental impact. BUILD A CARBON FIBER FERRYTwin Disc Marine Control Drives (MCDs) allow variable propellerMARINE speedfrom full engine output to slower than engine idlewhileCONTROL splitting main engine power to drive FiFi pumps or other auxiliaryDRIVEequipment. The MCD-2000/4000/5000 series covers extended diesel power requirements from 1680 kW (2280 HP) to 5250 kW (7130 HP) with heat dissipation capabilities up to 450 kW (610 HP).And our Veth Z-drives provide 360 thrust for optimal vessel maneuverability and positioning.If you want the ultimate in slow-speed maneuverability, highly accurate positioning and simultaneous, full-firefighting capability, specify Twin Disc and Veth Propulsion on your next tug build.VETHFor expert engineering assistance to assure your optimal product specicationsZ-DRIVEand performance, contact Klaus@TwinDisc.com.Learn about Americas only carbon T- and K-Class ferry builder:www.ARCADIA-ALLIANCE.comAPRIL 2021 13 FOGHORN FOCUS'