Front Street Shipyard

This year's notable deals include the acquisition of Belfast's Front Street Shipyard by a Blackstone-backed marina operator, and hammond Lumber's purchase of Ware-Butler.

The acquisition by Safe Harbor Marinas is expected to close in January. It is an all-cash deal; terms were not disclosed.

The midcoast has had a number of key developments of late, including the sale of a major boatyard, a yacht launch by a significant boatbuilder and debate over housing for the “missing middle.”

The prospective buyer, Safe Harbor Marinas, is the largest marina and superyacht servicing business in the U.S.

Mainebiz catches up with Nicolle Littrell of DoryWoman Rowing to find out more about the unusual year-round business

The company said its 3D waterjet cutting machine is the largest of its kind in Maine and among the largest in the country. The machine will help Front Street expand beyond the marine market into manufacturing.

Delivery is expected early October, shortly after the mission moves to new headquarters.

Front Street Shipyard's 3D cutting machine, which cost $900,000, will cut any shape, size, or material up to a maximum thickness of about 11 inches. The bulk of the investment was paid for with a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The president of a Belfast boatbuilding business sees new types of projects and new technology on the horizon. But prospects could be affected by changes in another industry.

Navatek LCC, a naval design and engineering firm with a Portland office, has won an $8 million Navy contract to improve the design and manufacturing of small watercraft that can operate safely at high speed in rough seas.