b'fromthestart.TheyvefoundthatandhistoryofthefirmiscarriedAlthoughdirectdrivedieselshave when they get it right, clients are happythrough them, and is passed along tobeen the norm for the companys de-to stick with a design when expandingthe other employees through mentor- signs over the years, they have begun their fleet. John W. Gilbert, Jr. statedship and training, as well as throughto adapt to emerging propulsion tech-that their team feels that there is nothe work and the many stories that arenologieswiththeirpassengervehicle greater measure of a successful vesselshared.Karyn Cox has also been withferries. Within the last year, one hybrid than the desire for an owner to copythe firm for over 20 years, continuingdiesel electric vessel has been launched, it.Theyhavehadseveralpassengerthe tradition of excellent service basedone hybrid diesel electric vessel design vehicleferries,rivertowboats,tug- onlongexperienceandexposuretohas been completed, and a third with boats, and commercial fishing vesselnumerous work boat projects. engines meeting the Tier 4 emissions designs with multiple sister ships. An- standard has been completed. Gilbert other point of pride for the companyWhenaskedaboutmilestonesthatsaid that they are constantly looking is their repeat customers. They recent- markGilbertAssociates60years,forwaystomakeresponsiblerec-lycompletedtheirfourthpassengerGilbert shared that the company de- ommendationstocustomerstobest vehicle ferry design for Maine Depart- velopeditsownintactanddamageimplement new technologies and im-ment of Transportation, a fellow PVAstability program software in the earlyprove operational efficiencies.member, in the last 10 years.1970s. The software has evolved with U.S. Coast Guard regulations, and isGilbert Associates has always been a With 60 years to look back over, Gil- stillinusetoday.Thecompanyhassmallbusiness,whichtheyconsider bert had a few fun stories to tell. Inalso developed a reputation for theirthat one of their strengths. To recog-anefforttobringbacktheBostonconsultingprojects,whichhesaidnize the anniversary, Gilbert said that toProvincetownferryservice,PVAhave to some degree exceeded our de- our tight-knit staff had a gathering to vessel member Bay State Cruise Com- sign projects. We are adept at adaptingcelebratethecompanysaccomplish-pany had Gilbert Associates design thevessels of various origins for upgradedments this year, and raised a glass to M/V Provincetown. At 134 in length itservice. These include midlife refur- the naval architects and marine engi-was one of the largest vessels ever builtbishments, vessel lengthenings, vesselneers who came before us and helped inside at the shipyard where it was con- service changes, and repowerings.build the company to what it is today.structed. In fact, it was so large, that the doors at the end of the building had to be relocated and made larger, and the vessel had to be launched without the upper tiers. The vessel was so close to the overhead when launched that it sucked saw dust off the rafters as it leftNavigate Risk With the building which can be seen in theConfidencephotoontheoppositepage.Gilbert also noted that one of the companysUSIs maritime specialists firstferrydesignswasbuiltin1967combine proprietary analytics, and still serves Marthas Vineyard andbroad experience, and national Chappaquiddick today. resources to create customized insurance and risk management programs designed to reduce Anyone that has worked with Gilbertcost and lower risk for your Associates would know John W. Gil- business.bert Jr. and Jerry Gilligan. Both have Proud supporters of the beenwiththecompanysince1980. Passenger Vessel AssociationBetween the two of them, they haveProperty & Casualty Employee Benefits participatedinnearlyeveryprojectPersonal RiskUSI Insurance Services completed by Gilbert Associates overRetirement Consulting 601 Union StreetSeattle, WA 98101 the last 44 years. The vast experience206.441.6300 | www.usi.com2023 USI Insurance Services. All rights reserved.53 DECEMBER 2024'