Decommissioned

The American Shipbuilding Association's board of directors announced today its decision to dissolve the organization effective Dec. 31. A review of the organization’s charter and "changes in the industry landscape" persuaded the board that "another approach was needed" to address the industry’s issues in Washington, according to group's statement.

The decision marks the end of the national trade association that represents major U.S. shipbuilders. The association also includes more than 100 companies engaged in the manufacture of ship systems and components, repair and technical services. What will take the organization's place remains to be decided, according to Fred Harris, the association's chairman.

“The structural changes underway in the U.S. shipbuilding industry and the recent decision by Cynthia Brown to step down as president of the association have afforded the opportunity to take a hard look at the direction the industry needs to take in the months and years ahead to ensure our voice is heard in Washington and across the country,” Harris said in the statement. “We concluded that the American Shipbuilding Association had served its purpose and that in light of the structural changes occurring in the industry, a new approach was required going forward. What that approach will look like will be the subject of ongoing discussions among the membership.” The board's statement thanks Brown and her staff for their years of service and "wishes her well as she engages in future opportunities."