Bravo to the Cianbro Corp. and Bath Iron Works for partnering on a $100-million project that promises to bring jobs and stability to Maine’s marine construction industry.

Cianbro revealed Wednesday that it has been hired to convert two large ships into giant supply vessels for the off-shore oil industry. The Portland Press Herald reported that the ships are designed to carry equipment and materials to the rigs.

This will be the first large commercial project BIW has handled in at least 20 years, according to the paper.

The joint venture is, of course, significant because of the shipbuilding jobs it will bring to Maine. But we hope it also opens up an entirely new line of work for two of Maine’s largest employers.

The new deal will help diversify one of Maine’s most important industries.