Swiftships contracted to build 2 fast supply vessels for J. Brady Marine

Swiftships Shipbuilders has a contract to build two more fast supply vessels with an option to build an additional eight boats over the next five years, a Swiftships’ news release said.

J. Brady Marine, formed in 2006, signed the contract to add to its existing fleet, providing expanded capabilities in the Gulf Coast region. The first two vessels are scheduled to be delivered in 2014.

Swiftships’ all-welded lightweight aluminum vessels have a proprietary design to transport personnel and supplies to offshore facilities with high-speed performance and delivery capabilities, the company said.

Joe Brady, owner of J. Brady Marine, said Swiftships’ reputation was instrumental in contracting the job here.

 “With over 50 years of experience building commercial vessels and an impressive record for building a quality product, our team decided it would be a natural fit to have Swiftships spearhead the development for J. Brady’s expansion needs,” Brady said. 

The release said Brady and his team, including Nicolas and Nat Collins, began to explore their options in early 2013 for expanding their Gulf capabilities. After several meetings with Swiftships, J. Brady Marine decided to focus its expansion in the fast supply vessel market. 

Last month Swiftships, a leading supplier of military and commercial watercraft to clients across the globe, announced the appointment of Navy Vice Adm. Joe Kernan, retired, to the board of advisors. 

Kernan served in various leadership positions in the Department of Defense, which included commanding officer, SEAL Team Two; commander, Naval Special Warfare Command; commander, US Fourth Fleet; and senior military assistant to former Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, the news release of the announcement said. Most recently he served as the deputy commander of Southern Command, engaging in countering illicit trafficking and building security force capabilities across Latin America and the Caribbean, the release said. 

In announcing the appointment, Swiftships said Kernan had extensive experience in small- to medium-sized craft operations in riverine, coastal and open-ocean environments.

Kernan said, “Having spent much of my career associated with small craft operations in many regions around the world, I am excited to be associated with a premier small craft builder.” 

Kernan added. “I hope that I can contribute to matching the multitude of needs for quality maritime craft with the extraordinary and renowned products of Swiftships.”

Shehraze Shah, CEO of Swiftships said, “Adm. Kernan is one of America’s most highly respected military commanders, veterans, and leaders. It is an honor to have the admiral join the Swiftships team. His insight and expertise gained throughout his successful military career will no doubt enhance Swiftships’ military programs.”

Swiftships, established in 1969, is an ISO 9001:2008 certified shipbuilder which specializes in the construction of small to medium-sized vessels constructed of steel, aluminum, and fiberglass, with design, architecture, engineering, and fabrication featuring the latest technology including navigation controls and high-speed engines, the release said.