Steamship Authority Names New Port Captain

The Steamship Authority announced Monday that Capt. Paul F. Hennessy has been named the organization’s new port captain, effective June 15, 2024. Hennessy has been a permanent SSA employee since 1991, having served as a wiper, an ordinary seaman, an able-bodied seaman, a bosun, and a pilot before being named a vessel captain in 2000. He has operated all the Authority’s vessels and served as senior captain on four vessels in that time. Hennessy was named assistant port captain in 2019.

As port captain, Hennessy will ensure the Steamship's vessels conform to U.S. Coast Guard requirements, ensure that vessel personnel are performing their duties in accordance with the boat line's policies, and assist with training of vessel personnel.

“Paul’s exceptional dedication, expertise, and contributions have been instrumental in his success at the Steamship Authority,” chief operating officer Mark Higgins said.

Hennessy, who has a degree from Cape Cod Community College, lives in Cataumet. He succeeds Port Captain Charles M. Monteiro in the role. 

Monteiro retired June 14, 48 years after first being hired on a full-time basis as an ordinary seaman. He later served as an able-bodied seaman, a bosun, a purser, a mate, a pilot, a vessel captain, and assistant port captain before being named port captain in 2019.

At a retirement luncheon held last week, Monteiro was presented with a Public Service Commendation from the U.S. Coast Guard for “exceptional public service and significant contributions promoting maritime safety.”

“Charlie’s decades of service to the Steamship Authority are a remarkable testament to his professionalism, his dedication, and to his infectious personality,” said Steamship Authority general manager Robert  B. Davis. “On behalf of the entire company and communities we serve, I wish him fair winds and following seas.”