FREELAND, Wash. and EVERETT, Wash. — June 11, 2026 — Shared Ice Services is pleased to announce the appointment of Shawn Johnston as Vice President, Director of Sales for its affiliated shipyards, Ice Floe, LLC dba Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (NBBB) and Everett Ship Repair (ESR).
Building on the foundation the current team has established, he will lead sales strategy, business development, and customer engagement across NBBB and ESR, supporting continued growth in the commercial, government, defense, and maritime industrial markets. He will work closely with the leadership and sales teams at both organizations to deepen customer relationships, expand market opportunities, and align sales initiatives with the company’s long-term strategic objectives.
His appointment comes at a period of significant expansion for both shipyards — most notably ESR’s acquisition of the floating dry dock Hercules, now the largest dry dock in Puget Sound. With a lifting capacity of 35,000 long tons, an 820-foot length, and a 135-foot inside beam, Hercules dramatically expands ESR’s ability to dock and service some of the West Coast’s largest vessels, joining the company’s existing dry docks, Faithful Servant and Emerald Lifter. This growth in facilities and capacity opens new commercial and government opportunities that Johnston and the sales team are well positioned to pursue.
Johnston brings more than 25 years of maritime and defense industry leadership spanning shipbuilding, ship repair, government relations, business development, and U.S. Navy operations. His background bridges customer requirements, operational execution, and long-term strategic growth.
Prior to joining Shared Ice Services, Johnston served as Vice President of Government Relations & Corporate Growth for Fincantieri Marine Systems North America, where he led enterprise growth initiatives and strategic customer engagement across U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and commercial maritime markets. Earlier, as Vice President of Ship Repair, he played a key role in building and scaling the company’s ship repair business, helping capture major maintenance contracts while strengthening customer confidence, operational capacity, and execution performance.
Before entering the private sector, Johnston completed a distinguished career in the U.S. Navy. His service included command of USS Coronado (LCS 4) through construction, commissioning, and deployment, as well as command of Littoral Combat Ship Squadron TWO. He also held key assignments supporting future ship programs, acquisition planning, and fleet modernization initiatives.
“I want to recognize the team whose hard work has put us in this position — their efforts have built real momentum across both shipyards,” said Gavin Higgins, Chief Executive Officer of Shared Ice Services. “Shawn’s experience spans every facet of our industry, from operating ships at sea and leading major Navy programs to growing shipyard businesses and building lasting customer relationships. As we expand our capabilities — including the addition of our newest drydock Hercules, in Everett — Shawn’s leadership and industry credibility make him exactly the right person to help us turn that capacity into new opportunities for NBBB and ESR.”
“Shawn’s proven track record of developing high-performing teams, driving strategic growth, and aligning customer needs with operational execution will be invaluable as we continue to invest in our people and our facilities,” Higgins added.
“I’m honored to be working with the teams at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders and Everett Ship Repair at such a pivotal moment,” said Johnston. “Both shipyards have an outstanding reputation and a talented team that has already built tremendous momentum. Investments like Hercules — the largest dry dock in Puget Sound — give us a unique platform to take on larger and more complex work for our commercial, government, and defense customers. I look forward to building on that foundation and helping our customers and our team succeed.”
Johnston will lead the sales teams at both Nichols Brothers Boat Builders and Everett Ship Repair, supporting existing customers while pursuing new opportunities throughout North America and beyond.
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About Shared Ice Services
Shared Ice Services provides shared corporate services and strategic leadership to its affiliated maritime companies, including Nichols Brothers Boat Builders and Everett Ship Repair. Together, these organizations deliver industry-leading shipbuilding, ship repair, vessel modernization, and marine industrial services to commercial, government, and defense customers throughout the United States and internationally.
About Nichols Brothers Boat Builders
Nichols Brothers Boat Builders is one of the premier vessel construction shipyards in the United States, recognized for delivering high-quality ferries, passenger vessels, workboats, military craft, and specialized marine projects. Located on Whidbey Island, Washington, the shipyard has served customers worldwide for more than six decades.
About Everett Ship Repair
Everett Ship Repair provides full-service vessel repair, maintenance, modernization, and industrial marine services from its facilities in Everett, Washington. The company serves commercial operators, government agencies, and defense customers throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond.