Last month in Houston, TX, the Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) had the privilege of participating in the christening ceremony of Kirby Corporation’s latest vessel, M/V GREEN DIAMOND. This vessel marks a significant milestone as the first U.S. hybrid-electric inland towboat and is set to operate under a three-year contract with Shell. SCI sent a delegation consisting of the Reverend Mark Nestlehutt, President & Executive Director (shown in the photograph alongside vessel sponsor Taylor Dickerson), Senior River Chaplain Tom Rhoades, Chaplain Associate Jonathan Siger, and Captain Stephen Polk, Director of the Center for Maritime Education. Kirby Corporation has been a steadfast supporter of SCI’s mission for over 25 years, encompassing maritime training, mariner advocacy, and pastoral care and support for mariners.

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SCI will always celebrate innovations that make the lives of mariners and citizens better. SCI’s President & Executive Director Mark Nestlehutt, along with Chaplain Tom Rhoades and Chaplain Associate Jonathan Siger, were proud to have been there at Kirby Corporation’s request to christen and help launch M/V Green Diamond. Check out this commemorative Kirby video below.

Photos by Frank McCormick, Waterways Journal