Palatka, FL – October 25, 2024 – St. Johns Ship Building, a premier Jones Act facility owned by Americraft Marine, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Sorenson as Vice President of Government Sales. Sorenson will spearhead all government-related sales efforts at the Palatka-based shipyard and report directly to Joe Rella, President of St. Johns Ship Building.
With over 20 years of experience in the maritime industry, Jim Sorenson brings a wealth of expertise in government and commercial sales, project management, and customer relations. Most recently, Sorenson served as Director of Sales at Willard Marine, Inc., where he managed all commercial and government sales, parts sales, and service and repair work across the company’s Oceanside, CA, and Chesapeake, VA facilities.
Before his role at Willard Marine, Sorenson held key leadership positions at Lake Assault Boats, overseeing sales from the New England area to the Gulf Coast, and Silver Ships, Inc., where he managed government and commercial contracts for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, and other entities. His extensive background also includes nearly a decade of service with the U.S. Coast Guard, where he developed deep technical and operational knowledge in maritime operations.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jim to the St. Johns Ship Building team,” said Joe Rella, the shipyard’s president. “His leadership and experience in government sales will play a key role in expanding our presence in this critical market, and we are confident that he will help drive continued growth and success for our company.”
Sorenson will work closely with government and defense agencies to ensure St. Johns Ship Building continues to meet the evolving needs of the maritime industry while maintaining the company’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
About St. Johns Ship Building
St. Johns Ship Building (SJSB) specializes in Jones Act-compliant new construction and repair of aluminum and steel craft, including crew vessels, ferries, tugs, deck and tank barges, landing crafts, and general cargo vessels. As one of the few U.S. shipyards building vessels to support America’s offshore wind farms, SJSB is dedicated to innovation and sustainability in shipbuilding. For more information, please visit: www.stjohnsshipbuilding.com.
About Americraft Marine
Americraft Marine was launched to support and strengthen the U.S. shipbuilding industry and infrastructure. Leading the evolution of the shipbuilding industry, Americraft Marine is committed to creating stable jobs, advancing clean energy technologies, and building the innovative ships of tomorrow.
