A major acquisition by Vigor Industrial (formerly Cascade General) has added an experienced resource for timely cruise ship repair and refurbishment in the Northwest.

In November, 2014 Vigorous, the largest floating drydock in North American went on-line in Portland, Oregon, a city well situated to serve lines traveling Central America to Alaska itineraries.

The clear need for increased capacity in the region has already resulted in a number of bookings at the yard.

The 2,300 passenger Norwegian Star, owned by Norwegian Cruise Lines, will arrive at Vigor’s Swan Island yard in March for a major repair project.

Experienced teams with a long resume of quality work for major lines like Princess Cruises, Holland America and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines will be ready for her.

“Vigor has more than a two decade history of successful repair in the cruise industry,” said Greg Lind, director of estimating for Vigor. “From the late 1980’s to 2003 when our previous drydock was sold, the yard was a hub for Cruise ship repair and modernization. During those years, we earned the reputation for quality work delivered on time and on budget. Many of the people that contributed to that success are still with Vigor and we’re excited to welcome our customers back to Portland.”

One of the most high profile projects in the yard was the repair of the Star Princess, which required emergency servicing after running aground in Alaska in 1995. Crews worked around the clock to replace 210 tons of damaged steel on the vessel as well as repairs to the starboard intermediate shaft, tall shaft, and propeller. The $27 million dollar project was finished in one month instead of the projected two, which reinforced Vigor’s reputation for finishing projects well before the expected delivery date.

The repair of the Norwegian Star will include work on the ship’s propulsion and steering system, bow thruster, fin stabilizer, lifeboats and davit as well as tank cleaning and water blasting and painting of the hull. The project will cost several million dollars and will employ approximately 750 workers per day.

“Supporting our customers is what it’s all about,” said Dave Whitcomb, Vigor chief operating officer. “Half a dozen large drydocks have gone out of service in our region in the past decade. The acquisition of Vigorous provides a much needed resource.”