Reuben Byrd, a 28 year maritime industry veteran has been appointed Senior Vice President Operations of the Grand Bahama Shipyard Ltd., effective September 14, 2009. Thus Byrd joined the team at the yard in time for the start of this year’s cruise season.
In his capacity as SVP Operations, Byrd will report to the Chairman and CEO, Calle Rotkirch, oversee the day to day operations of the shipyard and develop the yard for future expansion.
“I am excited about joining the team here at Grand Bahama Shipyard. There are some definite opportunities here. We have a lot to offer the maritime industry. With the addition of the third dock this year it has given the vessel owners more choice on where they do their conversions and repairs” Byrd said.
Before assuming his role at Grand Bahama Shipyard Ltd., Byrd served in several executive positions, most recently as Vice President of Repair and Conversion Operations for Bender shipbuilding in Mobile Alabama.
He previously was with Tampa shipbuilding and repair as VP of Production until the sale of the yard. His Maritime experience also includes 9 years at Atlantic Marine and 13 years at North Florida Shipyards.
“Reuben brings years of knowledge and organizational skills to the yard.
We welcome him to the yard and look forward to the positive changes and the fresh perspective we feel that will come from his arrival”, said Rotkirch.
Byrd is a native of the USA originally from Virginia, but has resided in Florida most of his adult life working at different levels within the maritime industry.
Conveniently located in the Freeport Maritime Centre on the island of Grand Bahama, less than 100 miles from the Port of Miami and adjacent to many of the world’s busiest shipping routes, Grand Bahama Shipyard began its ship repair operations in September 2000. Over the past nine years, Grand Bahama Shipyard has dramatically expanded its infrastructure and is now the shipyard of choice for many of the world’s most sophisticated cruise vessels.
The yard has three floating docks, including one of the largest in the world, capable of docking cruise ships up to 150,000 grt and cargo vessels up to 250,000 t dwt. These floating docks are supported by a wide range of shoreside facilities, including workshops and warehouses, along with a modern environmental waste treatment plant. The yard has earned a solid reputation for quality repairs on all types of vessels, including container ships, tankers, LNG carriers, RORO vessels, car carriers, bulk carriers, survey vessels, offshore vessels, naval ships and cruise ships.
