BAE Systems marked the completion of a $250 million infrastructure upgrade at its Jacksonville, Fla., shipyard with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 2. The investment replaces an 80-year-old drydock with a new shiplift and land-level repair complex.
The new system includes a 492’x110’ platform capable of lifting vessels displacing up to 25,000 tons. The shipyard said the configuration allows multiple ships to be serviced at the same time, effectively tripling its repair capacity.
The facility will support Navy vessels stationed at Naval Station Mayport as well as commercial vessels operating out of the Port of Jacksonville.
Design and construction partners for the project included Pearlson Shiplift Corp., Foth Engineering, and Kiewit Infrastructure South Co.
About 500 people attended the event, including BAE Systems employees, subcontractors, local residents, and Navy personnel.
The first vessel lift using the new system is expected later this month.
