U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Public Affairs Washington, D.C. www.dot.gov/affairs/briefing.htm

News

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MARAD 08-06	Contact: Shannon Russell
Thursday, August 03, 2006	Tel.: (202) 366-5807

Colonna’s Shipyard Wins Contract on NS Savannah

Norfolk Firm to do Topside Work on Former Cargo Ship

The Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced today that it has awarded a $995,000 contract for topside work on the National Historic Landmark vessel N.S. Savannah to Colonna’s Shipyard of Norfolk, VA. The Savannah, which served as a floating museum from 1981 to 1994 in Charleston, SC. is currently moored at the James River Reserve Fleet site at Fort Eustis, VA.

Among the work items to be done at Colonna’s are exterior structural and lighting systems repairs and remediation of water-damaged interior spaces. These repairs are part of MARAD’s preparation for the dismantlement and disposal of the remnants of the ship’s power plant. The date and location of the removal of the ship’s reactor has yet to be determined. The vessel’s fuel was removed over 30 years ago before it became a museum.

The Savannah is scheduled to be moved from the James River site to Colonna’s on or about August 15. More information on the ship and plans for its decommissioning may be found at www.marad.dot.gov.

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