Business at Bethlehem Steel Corporation's Boston yard during 1980 was about equal to its 1979 activity, Raymond F. DeVinney, general manager, reported. The yard repaired about 80 ships in 1980, including regular overhaul work on four U.S. Naval vessels. These repairs provided employment for an average of about 625 workers for the year, he said.
Work that was started in 1979 on two Navy frigates, the USS Blakely and the USS Truett, was completed during 1980. "We are proud that the yard was commended for its timely completion of these two vessels by the Chief of Naval Material," Mr. DeVinney said.
Commercial work at the yard continues somewhat slow. Routine drydock work was performed on the cruise-ferry motor vessel Caribe, the drillship Ben Ocean Lancer, and other vessels. Grounding damage repairs were made to the Steamship Authority vessel Uncatena, and major repair work was carried out on the Islander, another Steamship Authority vessel.
Looking ahead, Mr. DeVinney said: "At this moment it appears that 1981 will be a lean year. We will have to work hard to attract what commercial vessels are available. If the Reagan Administration increases emphasis on Naval ship repair, perhaps the yard will be fortunate and get one or more of those contracts."