Page 40 - Port of Baltimore Magazine January/February 2016

Mobile Full Service Ship Repair Yard
Emergency/Maintenance | Field & Shop Repairs | Machine Shop/Fabrications Serving Baltimore,Wilmington & Philadelphia Around-The-Clock Service
Floating Equipment To Service Vessels At Cargo Piers
Dry Dock & Wet Berth Services
Riding Crews To Service Vessels While Under Way
The General Ship Repair Corp.
1449 Key Highway, Baltimore, Maryland 21230 Phone: 410/752-7620 | Fax: 410/752-4650 info@generalshiprepair.com www.generalshiprepair.com
Industrial Division of The General Ship Repair Corporation
Commercial & Industrial Repairs | Structural & Mechanical Machining & Fabrications
“A Baltimore Tradition With Over Seventy-Five Years In The Same Location”
PORT BUSINESS
ST
This was the beginning of a new chapter in the company’s history.
“My father [J. Willis] knew that the shipyard would not survive on its own, and we needed to diversify,” said Jerry Smith.
The floating derricks and cranes and a large fleet of rental barges (nearly 40 of them) are the foundation for today’s fourth, fifth and sixth generations of Smiths — all active in the business.
As the barge rental fleet grew, customers needed towing service
as well. The company responded
by acquiring tugs, led today by the 1,300-horsepower flagship Rising Sun. Jerry Smith joined the company in 1971 after serving in the U.S. Army. His interest and skills in aviation translated well to the water, and he spent many years towing the barges used in the construction of restoration projects at Hart-Miller and Poplar islands. Today, Smith tows barges
all over the Chesapeake and beyond, as well as assisting in dredging operations.
“This work is in our blood,” said Smith. “Kevin, like my late brother Ross before him, has the managerial
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Maryland Line Handling Co.
2200 Broening Highway | Suite 235A Baltimore, Maryland 21224
email: mdlinehandling@comcast.net office:410.633.2519 | fax:410.633.2565
[38] The Port of Baltimore ■ January/February 2017