A $25 million mobile boat hauler was christened after a hero NYPD detective, who died due to a 9/11-related illness, at Bayonne Dry Dock yesterday.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Christopher Edward Cranston’s family joined in the ceremonies, while NYPD chaplain Rev. Msgr. David Cassato presided at the christening.
“My brother Christopher knew what is meant to serve his community in the police department, and after the September 11, 2001, attack on our nation,” said Michael Cranston, who founded Bayonne Dry Dock in 1997.
“We honor his memory with this christening and pledge to continue our work to serve vessels critical to our naval readiness and commercial success.”
The Christopher Edward Cranston Mobile Boat Hauler can lift ferries, tugboats, barges and the like for inspection in about an hour, cutting the time needed from between four hours to a full day.
These vessels are critical to the smooth operation of the Port of New York and New Jersey, which is operated as a business line department of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Port Authority Chairman O’Toole, joined by Port Director Bethann Rooney, saluted the company for its investment and its continuing role in maintaining critical port operations.
“The Bayonne Dry Dock’s role in providing service to the various vessels that call on the Port of New York and New Jersey and the region helps make our seaport more attractive to port partners and keeps our nation’s maritime fleet safe and ready to sail,” noted O’Toole.
“Just as the Port Authority’s mission is to keep the region moving, this new boat hauler will improve the safety and efficiency of the users of our marine facilities and the neighboring waterfront. We are honored to join the Cranston family in christening this incredible new resource to the port in the memory of Christopher for his work, dedication and sacrifice.”
Additionally, the boat hauler will allow the Bayonne Dry Dock to increase potential employment, now around 300, by between 20 and 40 percent as demand increases.
The Bayonne Dry Dock company also services U.S. Navy ships, including the USNS Pomeroy which is docked at the facility nearing completion of an overhaul before returning to service.
U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-11), a Navy veteran, noted that the work generated by the MBH has already increased the Bayonne Dry Dock workforce by 20 percent, with the potential to scale up an additional 20 percent as demand for its services rise.
“Servicing ships more quickly and efficiently means more trade can move in and out of the port, and more good jobs will be created for New Jersey residents,” stated Sherill.
“As a former Navy pilot, I know how essential it is to keep our naval vessels in top condition, and Bayonne Dry Dock is a critical player in that effort.”
As for Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis, he noted that he looked forward to working with dry dock company president Cranston and his colleagues in government.
“I am honored to join with the Cranston family for today’s ceremony. Like Chris Cranston, as a police officer, I took part in the emergency response at Ground Zero in 2001. It is fitting that the Northeast’s largest boat hauler will be named after him,” Davis exclaimed.
“Our community is proud that this boat lift will operate at the Bayonne Dry Dock, which is a great asset to our nation and our city.”
