Southwest Shipyard, LP: Company Profile

Background

Founded in 1954 by Mr. Henry Hilliard, Southwest Shipyard, LP began as a barge fleeting facility in Channelview, Texas, to serve Houston's busy ship channel. Over the decades, the company has expanded its services to include gas freeing and cleaning, steaming and flaring, vessel repair and conversion, surface preparation and painting, wastewater treatment, and new construction. The company operates four shipyard facilities along the Texas Gulf Coast—at Channelview, Brady Island, Brady Island West, and Galveston—all with direct deep-water access to the Gulf of Mexico.

Key Strategic Focus

Southwest Shipyard, LP's strategic focus encompasses:

Core Objectives: Delivering high-quality, safe, and environmentally responsible services to the marine industry.

Areas of Specialization:

Barge and boat construction

Vessel repair and conversion

Gas freeing and cleaning services

Steaming and flaring operations

Surface preparation and painting

Wastewater treatment

New construction services

Key Technologies Utilized: The company employs advanced shipbuilding techniques, environmental management systems, and safety protocols to ensure efficient and safe operations.

Primary Markets Targeted: Commercial and government marine sectors, including the construction, repair, and maintenance of barges, boats, offshore support vessels (OSVs), ferries, and tugs.

Financials and Funding

Estimated Annual Revenue: Approximately $49.6 million.

Funding History: The company has secured a total of $5 million in funding.

Recent Funding Round: In June 2023, Southwest Shipyard, LP received a grant of $1.2 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration.

Utilization of Capital: The funds are intended to support the company's expansion and enhancement of shipyard facilities, improve operational capabilities, and invest in workforce development.

Pipeline Development

Southwest Shipyard, LP is actively engaged in various projects, including the construction of new vessels and the repair and conversion of existing ones. Notably, in September 2025, the company was awarded a $14.1 million firm-fixed-price contract by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to engineer, construct, test, and deliver a new deck barge.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies: The company utilizes state-of-the-art shipbuilding technologies and environmental management systems to ensure high-quality and environmentally responsible operations.

Significant Scientific Methods: Southwest Shipyard, LP employs advanced welding techniques, surface preparation methods, and coating applications to enhance the durability and performance of its vessels.

Leadership Team

Henry "Hank" Hilliard: Chairman of the Board.

Scott Theriot: President & CEO.

Bernard Diaz: Executive Vice President of HSE Operations.

David Chacon: Management.

Gracie Perez: Environmental Coordinator.

Market Insights and Competitor Analysis

Industry Overview

The shipbuilding and repair industry is characterized by significant capital investment, long project cycles, and reliance on government and commercial contracts. The market is influenced by global trade volumes, infrastructure spending, and technological advancements in vessel design and construction.

Competitors

T&T Salvage: Specializes in marine salvage and emergency response services.

Hyundai Merchant Marine: A global shipping company involved in container shipping and logistics.

Kirby Inland Marine: Provides marine transportation services for bulk liquid products.

Inchcape Shipping Services: Offers marine services, including port agency and husbandry services.

Gulf Stream Marine: Provides marine services, including vessel management and logistics.

Port Corpus Christi: Operates as a deep-water port authority in Texas.

Bay-Houston Towing Company: Provides towing and marine transportation services.

Nordana: Offers shipping and logistics services.

OHT: Specializes in offshore heavy transport and installation services.

Strategic Collaborations and Market Position

Southwest Shipyard, LP collaborates with various government agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to secure contracts for vessel construction and repair. These partnerships enhance the company's capabilities and market presence.

The company's comprehensive service offerings, including vessel construction, repair, and environmental services, combined with its strategic locations along the Texas Gulf Coast providing convenient access to major shipping routes, strengthen its competitive position in the market.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Southwest Shipyard aims to expand its service offerings, invest in advanced technologies, and strengthen its workforce to meet the evolving needs of the marine industry. Opportunities include increasing demand for environmentally compliant vessels and infrastructure projects requiring specialized marine services.