Senesco Marine LLC takes issue with recent reports regarding the work it performed in its Quonset Point, R.I., shipyard for the Steamship Authority.

Senesco proudly stands behind the repair work it performed for its valued customer on M/V Martha’s Vineyard at its drydocking facility.

While reported that the vessel left Senesco’s shipyard with numerous deficiencies, in fact, at the completion of the shipyard period what remained to be completed were “punch-list items,” many to be performed by the Steamship Authority, and most extremely minor in nature. These punch-list items were quickly completed to the satisfaction of the Steamship Authority, and the United States Coast Guard, which permitted the vessel to promptly return to service.

During the shipyard period, Senesco was required to engage numerous vendors hand selected by the Steamship Authority to perform work on key components and systems. The issues encountered by the Steamship Authority following the return of M/V Martha’s Vineyard into service appear largely directly related to work performed by these “sole source” vendors.

For example, the generator aboard the vessel which experienced a mechanical failure was supplied and commissioned by a Steamship Authority-selected vendor. Similarly, the repair work required to the vessel’s bow doors resulted from work was performed by a different sole source vendor. While the vessel was taken out of service in between these occurrences on two occasions, it was due to Steamship Authority sole source vendor related issues. Also, some of the reported problems appear to relate to systems that were not within the scope of the overhaul work performed at Senesco’s facility.

Senesco has made itself available to the Steamship Authority for any assistance that it may require, and eagerly awaits the opportunity to meet with the Steamship Authority to address any on-going concerns. Senesco has reached out to the Steamship Authority in an effort to schedule such a meeting, which it hopes can be arranged in the near future.

Mike Foster

North Kingstown, R.I.

The writer is vice president and general manager of Senesco Marine.