Port of Milwaukee to Build Boat at Cleveland's Great Lakes Shipyard
Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 11:25AM 
The Port of Milwaukee has selected Great Lakes Shipyard of Cleveland, OH for the construction of a multi-purpose, 60-foot work boat for use by the Port. The new vessel will be specifically designed for operation in ice conditions, with the stem and hull shape strengthened to optimize performance in icy waters.
The workboat will be designed by Jensen Maritime Consultants of Seattle, WA. It is expected that the vessel will have a maximum speed of 10 knots and will be powered by a single 405 HP Cummins QSK11 Tier II diesel engine.
The vessel’s principle assignments are expected to include: harbor security work, general harbor work, icebreaking, salvage and dive operations. Construction is slated to be finished by the end of this year. The boat's equipment will include a Telescopic Boom Marine Crane by DMW Marine with a capacity of 9-metric tons and special lighting and equipment to support harbor security work.
The design includes an extended steel main deck house to be used for a diver's changing room. The boat's design will also include a diver’s platform recessed into the stern from the main deck. Stairs will lead from the main deck to the diver platform where a hinged ladder will be installed that can be stowed in or out of the water.
The Port of Milwaukee secured grant funding for a portion of the boat's construction from a harbor security grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.