Lürssen, Townsend Bay Alliance Announced

At the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in October, Townsend Bay Marine (TBM) and Lürssen Yachts formally announced the business relationship that the companies forged quietly several months ago, when Lürssen became the majority shareholder in the Port Townsend, Washington-based shipyard. In addition to allowing the two firms to share technical expertise and resources, the alliance adds a composite shipbuilding component to Lürssen's unparalleled capabilities as well as providing customers with worldwide resources.

In business for more than 125 years, Lürssen (www.lurssen.com) specializes in vessels up to 160 meters in length. Services include design, engineering, construction, repair and logistics as well as a complete training program. Technological and innovative skills are continually being developed as a result of the challenge posed by building specialized vessels, such as yachts, military craft and ships used for scientific research.

TBM is a new company whose management and staff have been involved with some of the finest composite boats built in the Pacific Northwest. The company has the capability to build strong, light, sail and power vessels from 50 to 150 feet, using 3D modeling for design and 5-axis CNC cutting-from vendors such as Janicki Machine Design-to produce flawless custom and production tooling. Traditional skills combined with the appropriate application of the latest technologies enable TBM to maintain a very high degree of precision in building and assembling the large and complex components that comprise a modern composite yacht. TBM's staff are experts in yacht refit, repair and maintenance, offering customers careful attention to service and complete accountability. The shipyard's ability to house a 150-foot vessel and the Pacific Northwest location, on the way to such spectacular cruising grounds as Alaska's Glacier Bay and the "Supernatural British Columbia" coastline, make TBM an ideal choice for this type of work. The company's facilities encompass 35,000 square feet of heated workspace in three adjoining buildings located within the Port of Port Townsend, a deep-draft facility comprehensively permitted for marine work and serviced by three Travelifts in 60-ton, 70-ton and 300-ton capacities. Shops include both heated floors and heated make-up air and ventilation systems to provide the temperature control required for composite construction, painting and refit. The two main assembly buildings are fitted with five-ton and ten-ton overhead cranes, vacuum and compressed air systems; the third building includes a secure warehouse.