Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Launches the IMPALA SOLEDAD for IWL River Inc.

Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. is pleased to announce the launch of the Impala Soledad (HULL #243) on June 10, 2016, this is the first in a series of four (4) Inland River Towboats for IWL River, Inc. This series of CT Marine designed 134 ft. ABS Classed Inland River Service towboats are Triple Screw with a Retractable Pilothouse and all are currently under construction at Eastern’s Allanton facility. The vessel series is scheduled for delivery starting in late 2016 into 2017.

The launch was hosted by Eastern’s Project Manager Joe Stark, a Navy veteran, followed by a decorated 25 year career with the FDNY as a Marine Engineer. Joe oversaw the construction of the two (2) Eastern built 140’ fast response fireboats for FDNY the Three Four Three and The Firefighter Ii which were delivered back in 2010. Joe recently returned to Panama City to join Eastern’s team to manage the building of the IWL River, Inc. inland towboats. The Impala Soledad was blessed by Deacon Tim Warner, of St. John’s Catholic Church of Panama City, and christened by Joe’s wife of over thirty years, Mary. Eastern welcomes the Stark family back to Panama City, FL. In attendance at the launch was IWL River, Inc.’s Owner Representative, Ed Maxwell of Dufour, Laskay, & Strouse,