The Westport Shipyard in Washington state USA has been acquired by an off shore rig supply boat builder, based in Louisiana.
Little is known about how the deal was structured or what sums of money have been involved, but statements from the company indicate that yachts will continue to be built in their three existing factories.
Westport Yachts was founded in 1964 and launched it’s first hull in 1965. Early production concentrated on vessels for the North Pacific commercial fishing fleet, then the company added fast passenger ferries to its repertoire. Ultimately, Westport built and delivered more than 200 commercial vessels of which over 100 have been yachts. Since the first yacht the company has only ever built semi production yachts in composite and currently the range of models available are between 26 and 50 metres.
Gary Chouset, principal of the Chouset family and head of the Chouest companies is behind the acquisition. Chouest are active in the building of off shore rig supply vessels and also own American Custom Yachts, a yacht builder in Stuart, Florida.
Following the acquisition Westport Shipyard Inc. was renamed Westport LLC, and has signed a new lease contracts for warehouses within the Port of Grays Harbor.