Port of Newport Removes Derelict Fishing Vessel

Abandoned or derelict vessels are a costly challenge for the Port of Newport, as demonstrated by the decision to remove and dispose of a Fishing Vessel (F/V Sylvia). The 52-foot commercial vessel became Port property when the previous owner failed to maintain it or pay for moorage. The vessel is no longer seaworthy and has nearly sunk on several occasions.

“We can keep postponing, but eventually this will sink there and cost us way more money,” explained General Manager Paula Miranda. “Besides, it is taking precious moorage space that somebody else could use.” At the recent Port of Newport Commission meeting the commissioners unanimously approved a $23,000 contract with the Port of Toledo for the removal and disposal of the F/V Sylvia. The removal of derelict vessels from both the recreational and commercial marina is an on-going challenge for the Port and other marina facilities around the state. While some funding is in place to assist with the cost of removal for recreational boats, the expense for removing a commercial vessel falls solely on the Port.

Port Commissioners also approved a one-year lease agreement with a new tenant for one of the buildings locally known as “the old cherry plant” on the Port’s South Beach property. Newport Fab Shop was established in 2021 and works on boats, as well as other projects requiring fabrication. In a report to the commission, Director of Operations Aaron Bretz indicated that welcoming this new tenant is good for both the business and the Port. “We plan to continue investing money into these buildings to keep the habitable structures in rentable condition and having a tenant in place provides us with a revenue stream to fund that work,” he explained.