[xml][/xml]
The Bahamas Weekly Facebook The Bahamas Weekly Twitter
News : Grand Bahama Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM


Grand Bahama Shipyard COO Byrd named GBS acting president as Carl Rotkirch retires
By Sarah Kirkby
Jun 17, 2015 - 2:14:16 PM

Email this article
 Mobile friendly page
Rotkirch-Retires-from-Shipyard---COO-Byrd-named-as-Acting-President-of-GBS-.jpg
(Photo courtesy of Shayne Stubbs, Freeport News)

COO Byrd named Acting President of GBSY


Freeport, Bahamas – Friday marked the final day for Carl Rotkirch as Chairman & CEO of the Grand Bahama Shipyard, as he retires after seven years as its CEO.  

Rotkirch joined the company in 2008 and has seen the company develop into a world-renowned ship repair facility with an extensive array of customers during his tenure.  The company now brings in more than a hundred vessels yearly, ranging from cruise to container ships, tankers, research vessels, tugs, barges offshore support vessels and drill ships.

“When I came here, the yard was in its infancy,” said Rotkirch.  “However, what we have done in the past years is become an organized company.  We have evolved far beyond where we were in terms of safety and production, and I think people are just starting to see what we’re capable of.”

Rotkirch spoke with the media on his final day at the yard, addressing the improvements and changes that he has seen during his time at the Grand Bahama Shipyard.  He also spoke of his fondest memories at the yard and during his time living on Grand Bahama Island.

“Today has truly taught me that seven years contains a lot of memories; it’s bittersweet to be leaving because I’ve really loved it here.  The community has really embraced the Shipyard, my family and myself.  I have also been amazed by the talent and amenities that such a small place has in regards to arts and culture.”

During his farewell press conference, Rotkirch also acknowledged that the current COO, Rueben Byrd would be assuming the position as Acting President along with his current responsibilities as Operation’s Chief of the company. Byrd joined the company in 2009 and has also been instrumental in many successes and changes within the company.
Since both Rotkirch and Byrd’s time at the yard, revenues have strengthened and the facilities have developed from a 2 dry-dock shipyard into a ship repair, refurbishment and conversion facility with 3 dry-docks, 4 fully equipped wet berths and workshops together with a selection of partners like Bradford Marine, ABB, Rolls-Royce, Chris-Marine, KE-Marine, MSHS, Wartsila, IMC Metal Fusion, GCS and SPS.
According to Rotkirch, “the shipyard also offers services from several Bahamian subcontractors we have enjoyed long relationships with which include Clear Blue, Anthony’s Industrial, Hydro Dynamics, G.B. Tank Cleaning, Arawak Industrial, Freeport Ship Services, IRS International Rental, City Services, Quality Services Ltd, and Mechanical Engineering.”

“The location of the shipyard is wonderful, we have all of the big shipping routes just outside our door, and I’m confident that Reuben and the team of other executives, managers, supervisors and staff will continue to show what we’re capable of here at the yard,” stated Rotkirch. “We are only beginning to see what this place can be, the potential is enormous and as they say, the journey continues.”


Bookmark and Share




© Copyright 2015 by thebahamasweekly.com

Top of Page

Receive our Top Stories



Preview | Powered by CommandBlast

Grand Bahama
Latest Headlines
GBPA Announces Six Senses GB Hotel, Villas & More
GBDRF & SBP Bahamas jointly donate $450,000 to launch new home repair program for Grand Bahama Island
GBPA Launch Freeport Business Portal
The Grand Bahama Port Authority’s GB Ambassador program enables global understanding of Freeport’s rich offerings
Dr. Hamid Seyfi departing Grand Bahama