North Atlantic Ship Repair delivers personalised repair services for domestic, international and government customers from its facilities on the US East Coast. NASR strives to offer the safest, most environmentally responsible and cost-effective vessel repair and related services available in its operating area. CEO Ed Snyder explained more, in conversation with Phil Nicholls.
North Atlantic Ship Repair (NASR) is dedicated to delivering a quality product to every customer. The American company is always striving to improve and work closely with clients to achieve the common goal of delivering projects within budget and on time.
Founded in 1995, NASR is comprised of two subsidiaries: Boston Ship Repair and Philadelphia Ship Repair. These sister facilities provide extensive bespoke services
for a range of domestic, international and government clients. These two shipyards are strategically positioned to support both the maritime and fabrication markets.
World class excellence
Owning two of the largest docks on the Eastern and Gulf Coasts, the company is committed to provide vessel maintenance, repair, overhaul and conversion services that are unsurpassed in the industry. The
team at NASR work tirelessly to improve upon both facilities and capabilities in order to meet and exceed the expectations of customers.
These twin facilities at Boston and Philadelphia stand ready to assist fleet managers and vessel owners with a broad portfolio of installation and repair services.
Located next to the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal in Boston's Seaport, the drydock at Boston Ship Repair is only seven miles from open sea, with no air draft restriction. The facility is conveniently located near hotels, restaurants, public transportation and only minutes from Logan International Airport.
The facilities at Boston can handle 350metre-long vessels, up to a displacement
of 65,000 tonnes. The channel has a draft of over 12 metres and the on-site cranes enjoy 360° coverage and a capacity up to 50 tonnes.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia Ship Repair is located in the Philadelphia Navy Yard and can easily accommodate a wide variety of ships for both government and commercial customers. The city of Philadelphia has a long tradition of being an active seaport.
The Philadelphia Navy Yard is a growing commercial location situated along the banks of the Delaware River.
NASR offers a similar range of facilities in Philadelphia, where the dock can accommodate 350 metre vessels, up to a displacement of 60,000 tonnes. The channel draft is over 12 metres. The pier here has connections for water, electricity and sanitation, while supported by the company’s 3,700 square metre workshop.
Portfolio of services
The NASR team routinely accomplishes significant ship repairs at both of these locations. These dry dock facilities are capable of delivering a wide selection of installations and repairs.
Typical operations include, but are not limited to, emergency ship services, propeller and shafting inspections and repairs, rudder inspections, testing and repairs, hull,
structural and deck painting, machinery overhauls, upgrades and installations, and much more.
With a proven track record since 1995, all operations are supported by open communication with the client. “NASR works best when our customers are limited on time and when repairs need to happen at a quick pace,” explained CEO Ed Snyder.
“Our current project, the USNS Burlington, is an example where we only knew about the vessel coming in a week prior to her arrival and we had to construct the dock to hold her in short order.”
Passion and people
It is North Atlantic Ship Repair’s unique mix of passion and people that separates the company from the competition. NASR has the ability to draw the best talent from its operations team to support the client’s
project. This is the added value that clients receive from the company.
Embodying a passion for excellent client services, the difference offered by the company is its people. North Atlantic Ship Repair is dedicated in hiring the most experienced and talented management team who understand the need to safely re-deliver a vessel back to the client on time and on budget. The entire team in Boston and Philadelphia are committed to the quality of work and a continuous improvement within the company.
These are some of the reasons the company has earned its clients’ trust throughout the years. NASR enjoys a high level of customer retention and is proud to have been servicing some of its clients for over 25 years. This level of customer retentions is proof of the worth of the company’s partnership approach. This philosophy of collaboration with customers has repeatedly guaranteed a successful outcome for both parties.
In a similar vein, North Atlantic Ship Repair has developed close relationships with many suppliers who understand the critical nature of the ship repair industry. NASR understands that its performance is a direct reflection of the ability of its entire supply chain to provide material and service in response to a frequently demanding work schedule. Thus, it is no surprise that these vendors are considered business partners to NASR, and not just commodity providers. This close collaboration between all of the company’s partners enables NASR
to serve the needs of each one of its customers for many years to come.
Yet, the current global economy faces a number of challenges. “NASR has many obstacles to face in the upcoming years,” acknowledged Mr Snyder. “To achieve the goals of the company and our customers, we are working together with our union, customers, government entities and local authorities to stress those requirements and conditions which are needed in order for us to serve our customers for many years to come.”
Indeed, with this mix of capabilities and passion, it is clear that North Atlantic Ship Repair will continue to offer clients this broad package of services.
CEO Ed Snyder remains suitably enthusiastic for the future of NASR: “Personally, the challenges everyday are different. There could be labor issues one day, subcontractor issues, as well as material chain deficiencies in another day. The needs of our customers change day-to-
day, and we are here to make it happen for them.
“Making sure everyone is safe is also very essential for me,” he concluded. “Walking in each morning and trying to make the atmosphere better for all, and knowing I gave it everything is my top priority.”
