Stabbert Marine and Industrial, Anacortes, Wash., has revised plans for improvements at its Anacortes shipyard, opting to build a submersible barge locally rather than purchase a travel lift from an out-of-state manufacturer.
The change was outlined during an April presentation to the Port of Anacortes Commission as part of the company's participation in the port's $65 million EPA Clean Ports Program grant.
Stabbert is one of five private-sector partners receiving funding through the grant. The company is using its portion of the award to redevelop the former Lovric's Marina property, now operating as Stabbert Marine and Industrial-Anacortes (SMI-A).
Under the revised plan, approximately $11 million originally earmarked for the purchase of a travel lift will instead be directed toward construction of a custom submersible barge in Anacortes. The barge will serve a role similar to a traditional dry dock, allowing vessels to be lifted from the water for maintenance and repair work.
"This EPA grant funding enables us to implement our long-term vision for the old Lovric's Marina," said Bryan Nichols, Stabbert's vice president of technical sales and business development. "By manufacturing this custom submersible barge here instead of purchasing a travel lift from out of state, we are accelerating that goal and bringing more jobs to our community, sooner."
The project also includes upgrades to the facility's electrical infrastructure. Shore power capacity will increase from 400 amps to 5,000 amps to support operation of the submersible barge and a planned fleet of electric equipment.
According to the company, employment at the SMI-A facility has increased from three workers to 25 since redevelopment efforts began. Stabbert expects the project to create approximately 50 jobs once the submersible barge is completed, with many of the workers involved in constructing the barge transitioning into long-term shipyard positions.
Port of Anacortes Commissioner Shawn Ottenbreit said the project aligns with broader efforts to strengthen the region's maritime industrial base.
"I am excited about the jobs being created through this project, and the capabilities that Stabbert brings to our community," said Ottenbreit, who serves as the port's economic development chair. "Stabbert's partnership and leadership on this grant has been hugely impactful. The Port and our grant awardee partners share a vision for building our working waterfront and growing jobs in our community. This project is a prime example of that vision."
The submersible barge is expected to be completed within approximately two years. Upon completion, the Port of Anacortes said it will expand vessel repair and maintenance capabilities at the Anacortes waterfront while supporting the port's broader Clean Ports Program investments in emissions reductions and maritime infrastructure modernization.
