Celebrating National Maritime Day – Fraser Shipyards and the Wisconsin Domestic Maritime Coalition
(source – WIDMAC Newsletter May 22, 2020)
Today, Friday, May 22, 2020, is National Maritime Day – an annual, time-honored tradition that recognizes one of our country’s most important industries. In the midst of a global pandemic, this vibrant maritime workforce has labored around the clock and continued to deliver vital goods and products – including consumer necessities, medical equipment, raw materials and energy – to communities across the nation, including those in Wisconsin.
In support of the 650,000 men and women who ensure this vital supply chain, elected officials, government leaders, businesses and maritime organizations are joining together to celebrate this heroic work through virtual programming, “Sound Offs” in the ports, and community programming.
Joining in the celebration, Senator Ron Johnson stated, “Wisconsin is proud of its rich shipbuilding and maritime history. Bordered on three sides by commercially navigable waterways, our state has benefited greatly over the centuries from water transportation. National Maritime Day is a wonderful time to reflect on the importance of this industry to Wisconsin.”
Fraser Shipyards – A Tradition of Excellence on Lake Superior
Fraser Shipyards has a rich history of more than 125 years of continuous operation on the shores of Lake Superior. Its
experienced, highly skilled workforce of more than 150 American maritime men and women includes in-house naval
architects and engineers and is able to perform to the exacting standards of its customer base by virtue of Fraser
Shipyards’ state-of-the-art capabilities and continually upgraded facilities that operate around the clock 365 days a year.
In the past five years Fraser Shipyards has invested approximately $10 million in cutting-edge equipment. Its new
headquarters building includes working accommodations for its customers, including the U.S. Coast Guard and the
American Bureau of Shipping. Additional capital expenditures have been allocated for dock face upgrades and other
facility improvements. Fraser’s 60-acre campus is well situated with navigable water access, rail access, and immediate
freeway access.
Miller Boat Line awarded Fraser Shipyards a contract to construct a 140-foot long passenger-vehicle ferry that will be
placed into service this spring. “We chose Fraser due to its enduring high quality, integrity, value, and with consideration
of recommendations from industry professionals,” said Billy Market, President of Miller Boat Line.
Earlier this year Fraser Shipyards and its sister company Lake Assault Boats were selected to supply up to 119 patrol
boats to the U.S. Navy. The contract has a five-year duration, and the craft will provide security for U.S. Navy ships and
personnel around the world.
Fraser Shipyards regards the health and safety of its team members and the safeguarding of the Great Lakes environment
as its two primary responsibilities. Skilled tradespeople among Fraser personnel are provided continuous training that
meet OSHA 10, OSHA 30, eRailsafe, and MSHA standards.
Fraser Shipyards is committed to supporting the local and regional economies and is proud to source quality products
and services from more than 400 vendors across Wisconsin and Minnesota. The company’s commitment to innovation,
reliability, and superb customer service will serve its customers well for the next 125 years and beyond.
