Bollinger Shipyards and the Gulfport School District have launched Bollinger NextGen Shipbuilders, a work-based learning program for Gulfport High School students. The program will train students in welding, pipefitting, marine electrical, maritime carpentry and rigging and fitting at Bollinger’s new training facility in Gulfport.
Bollinger Shipyards has opened a 7,200-square-foot Workforce Training Center at its Gulfport, Mississippi, facility. The yard said the center, developed with the Submarine Industrial Base Program Office and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, will begin bootcamp-style classes in Fall 2026.
Bollinger Shipyards said it has received the Shipbuilders Council of America’s Excellence in Safety Award for the 21st straight year. The yard said the run, which began in 2005, is unmatched by any other U.S. shipbuilder.
Bollinger Shipyards has named Mark Matta Sr. vice president and general manager of its Houma shipyard after Rich Murphy retired. Murphy had led the facility, which is working on the Navy’s TATS and LSM programs, the National Science Foundation’s RCRV program and the Coast Guard’s ASC program.