Westport Shipyard sold to Louisiana commercial shipyard builder
Westport Shipyard in Washington state has been acquired by Gary Chouest, owner of American Custom Yachts. Terms were not disclosed.
Chouest founded the Edison Chouest shipyard in Galliano, Louisiana. American Custom Yachts is based in Stuart, Florida. Westport has about 400 employees across three shipyards in Washington. It has built more than 120 yachts since 2000.
“Similar to the history of the Chouest family business, Westport began five decades ago with a fishing fleet and has diversified into many other core businesses,” Chouest said in a statement. “We will continue to pursue the employment of skilled local workers and will remain an active participant in the communities Westport serves.”
Daryl Wakefield, Westport president, will remain in the position along with the rest of the management team. “Gary has always been passionate about our industry, and we are honoured to count him as a customer and now our majority owner, as well,” said Wakefield in the statement.
The Edison Chouest Offshore companies operate a fleet of more than 200 vessels. Its other operations include vessel support facilities at Port Fourchon, Louisiana and shipyard facilities North American Shipbuilding in Larose, Louisiana. It also owns LaShip in Houma and Gulf Ship in Gulfport, Mississippi, Tampa Ship, a ship conversion, overhaul and repair facility in Tampa Bay, Florida; and Estaleiro Navship in Navegantes, Brazil, which does construction, inspections and repairs.
