Blessey Marine Services Christens The Mv. Capt. Dennis J. Martin
On March 26, Blessey Marine Services christened the mv. Capt. Dennis J. Martin during a ceremony held at the company’s office and dock in Channelview, Texas. Employees, friends and longtime industry partners gathered to celebrate the vessel and honor its namesake.
Blessey Marine Chairman Walter Blessey opened the ceremony with remarks recognizing Capt. Dennis Martin and his family, while thanking all in attendance for their continued support.
Martin began his journey with Blessey Marine in 2003 as a 22-year-old deckhand. He quickly earned his tankerman credentials before obtaining his wheelman’s license in 2007 and pilot’s license in 2008. Since moving to the wheelhouse, Martin has served as pilot of the mv. Thomas E. Rollins and mv. Wayne T. Mosley, relief captain of the mv. Captain Billy J. Verdin, captain of the mv. Capt. Lance Dragon and, most recently, captain of the mv. Capt. Jimmy Warren.
“It’s a great honor to be here today to celebrate Dennis,” said Clark Todd, president and CEO of Blessey Marine. “I’d also like to recognize his wife, Ashley, and their two daughters, who are here with us. Our great mariners couldn’t do what they do without the love and support they receive at home. Many of our crews are away for up to eight months a year. That’s a significant sacrifice, and it’s important we honor the families who make that possible, so thank you, Ashley, for all you do for Dennis.”
Todd praised Martin for his career so far and the impact he’s had on others throughout the company.
“Starting as a deckhand and working his way to the wheelhouse is exactly what Blessey Marine is all about,” Todd said. “Dennis is an example of what many mariners aspire to be. He’s also a source of inspiration for those on his crew who look at him and say, ‘That could be me someday.’
“Throughout his career, Dennis has made it a point to teach and mentor others,” Todd continued. “That spirit of service and leadership is a foundation of our culture at Blessey Marine. Dennis is deeply committed to his family and to giving back. Today’s christening is just a small token of appreciation for a man who has given so much to this company and to our Blessey Marine family for nearly three decades.”
Following Todd’s remarks, Martin received a replica nameplate engraved with his name.
Martin then took a moment to share a few personal words.
“I would like to thank everyone for coming out today,” he said. “Thank you, Walter, Clark and Daniel [Wisner] for this great honor. And thank you to my family for being so supportive on this long journey. A vessel named in my honor is the pinnacle of my career. I have worked for other companies in the past, but it was not until I got to Blessey that I felt valued and like I was part of a family. I am looking forward to the next 20 years.”
The ceremony continued with the Rev. Nancy Simpson, chaplain with Seamen’s Church Institute for the Houston Ship Channel and Gulf Coast, delivering a formal blessing of the vessel and presenting Capt. Jesse Gonzalez with the ship’s Bible.
“I work the Houston Ship Channel and Gulf Coast region quite often, but this dock here at Blessey is almost a home away from home,” Simpson said. “I get to see the hard work that these mariners do day in and day out to keep operations going. One of the highest things we can do is pray for the safety of this crew, Capt. Dennis, his family and the vessel.”
Following the blessing, Martin, along with his family and crew, carried out the official christening of the mv. Capt. Dennis J. Martin on deck. Guests were then invited to the Blessey office to enjoy some local barbecue.
Originally built for Blessey Marine in 2015 by Raymond & Associates and Steiner Shipyard, the newly refurbished mv. Capt. Dennis J. Martin is a 1,700 hp. twin-screw inland towing vessel, measuring 76 feet by 35 feet with a 10-foot, 8-inch depth. The vessel is powered by a pair of Cummins engines rated at 850 hp. each that turn 76- by 59-inch stainless steel propellers from Kahlenberg. The vessel also features Reintjes WAF 474 gears, with a 7.1:1 reduction ratio, from Karl Senner LLC. Auxiliary power is provided by two Cummins QSB7-DM generators rated at 85 kW. The engine cooling system is by Duraweld Grid Coolers. Engine alarms and automation were outfitted by Baton Rouge Marine Electric. Electronics and communication equipment were supplied by Wood River Electronics, while Hiller Systems provided the fire safety equipment.
The refurbishment of the vessel took place at Southwest Shipyard in Channelview, with support from Karl Senner LLC, Baton Rouge Marine Electric and Wood River Electronics.
Todd also acknowledged the many vendors and partners who contributed to the project.
“We couldn’t do this without our partners in the industry,” he said. “This industry is large, with over 3,500 tugboats on the water, but it’s pretty small when you really slice it down. We are incredibly blessed to have partners that help us out along the way to keep our vessels in good shape.”
The crew of the mv. Capt. Dennis J. Martin includes captains Jesse Gonzalez and Brad Grinder; pilot Jason Lovell; tankermen Donald Cook, Tanner Oquin and Jesus Alaniz; and deckhand Kyle Tays.
Founded in 1987, Blessey Marine Services currently owns and operates 85 towboats and 180 tank barges across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and the nation’s inland rivers.
Featured image caption: A profile of the mv. Capt. Dennis J. Martin, which Blessey Marine Services officially renamed and christened in a March 26 ceremony in Channelview, Texas. (Photo courtesy of Merit Media)
