At the International WorkBoat Show, BAE Systems briefed attendees on their $200 million Jacksonville shipyard project in partnership with Pearlson Shiplift. The project, announced in December 2022, broke ground in April 2023 and is progressing on schedule and within budget.
"The reason for gathering today is through a lot of work, effort and planning, we are on time, on budget, and we’re willing to say the shiplift is going to be open in April of 2025," a company representative said.
Current efforts focused on securing contracts with various customers for docking slots.
The BAE Systems shipyard modernization project involves Pearlson Shiplift Corporation, Foth Engineering, and Kiewit Infrastructure South Co., in major construction roles. Foth along with Pearlson Shiplift are responsible for the overall facility design, construction management and engineering, and key equipment supply. Kiewit will serve as general contractor for the project. When complete in 2025, the new complex will expand the BAE Systems shipyard's docking capacity by 300 percent. The construction and operation of the repair facility is expected to generate approximately 1,000 new jobs.
“Realistically there’s going to be a whole list of ships of all different angles and configurations, and our ability to get those up there is really exciting," the representative noted. "It’s hard for me to believe it’s only 16 months away from the ribbon cutting, and I can assure you, I’ll be here next November, and I’ll give the same update on this very same spot.”
