🚢Maine shipyard builds big steel tugboats with strength and power.
🚀Demand for tugboats has increased due to larger ships and new Coast Guard regulations.
🌎Washburn and Dowdy shipyard exports skilled workers from other shipyards to meet demand.
🔨Skilled workers face housing challenges in Maine, affecting recruitment.
🌊Launching these impressive tugboats is a moment of pride and accomplishment for the shipyard.
What type of boats does Washburn and Dowdy shipyard build?
—Washburn and Dowdy shipyard builds big steel tugboats.
Why is there an increased demand for tugboats?
—The demand for tugboats has increased due to larger ships coming into port and new Coast Guard regulations that make older boats obsolete.
How does Washburn and Dowdy shipyard recruit skilled workers?
—Washburn and Dowdy shipyard recruits skilled workers from other shipyards, including using contract workers from outside the country.
What challenges does the shipyard face in recruiting workers?
—Housing is a significant issue, making it difficult to find housing for employees in the area.
What is the significance of launching the tugboats?
—Launching the tugboats is a moment of pride and accomplishment for the shipyard, representing their legacy and commitment to Maine shipbuilding.
00:00Maine shipyard known for building boats, but little known for big steel tugboats.
02:18Demand for tugboats increased due to larger ships and Coast Guard regulations.
03:11Washburn and Dowdy shipyard struggles to find skilled workers due to housing challenges.
04:43Launching the tugboats is a moment of pride and accomplishment.
05:16Shipyard hopes to educate Mainers about their impressive boat-building work.
