16 APRIL 2018 • FOGHORN FOGHORNFOCUS: SHIPBUILDING is in the municipal transportation sector of the passenger vessel market.    Michah Tucker, General Manager Derecktor Shipyards, Mamaroneck, NY Derecktor recently rejoined PVA after a hiatus. What’s brought Derektor back to PVA now? We took some time away to reor- ganize and scaled back in some areas. But, we are glad to be back with PVA and are hard at work now and ready to take on new passenger vessel projects. Is the passenger vessel industry an important part of your market? Why? The passenger vessel industry is very important. The commuter ferry market is so strong right now and we have been busy in that arena. How would you describe the state of the industry? It’s very busy right now. One area in particular that is growing is what I call the “responsible” ferry. The “re- sponsible” ferry is the future. The reg- ulations and the market are driving this push to create ferries that are en- vironmentally responsible. We’ve built three hybrid vessels, one of the only shipbuilders in the nation that has, which puts us in a unique position to aid the transition of passenger vessels that are all electric or a hybrid electric system. Where are you seeing this transition to “responsible” vessels? It’s happening all across the country, with Seattle and San Francisco being the pioneers. Soon, I believe, New York City will follow because it is such a driver in the commuter ferry market. n Learn more! www.marad.dot.gov/wpcontent/uploads/pdf/MARAD_Econ_Study_ Final_Report_2015.pdf www.statista.com/topics/3712/shipbuilding-industry/