Pearlson Shiplift Corp. recently signed a multimillion-dollar contract with Fincantieri Marinette Marine to design and build a state-of-the-art shiplift system at the Marinette, Wis., shipyard. Upon completion, the shiplift system will be the largest in the U.S.
The new shiplift system will be approximately 500'x82' and will be capable of handling vessels of nearly 10,000 tons, including the Navy’s recently named Constellation-class frigates, Freedom-class littoral combat ships, and the multimission surface combatant (MMSC).
The new Pearlson shiplift system will give FMM the capability to launch and retrieve larger vessels that will be produced in the Marinette shipyard. This more controlled and gentle launch method allows future ships, like the MMSC and the Constellation-class Frigates to be outfitted to near completion and tested inside climate-controlled facilities before being launched into the adjacent Menominee River.
Pearlson Shiplift, based in Miami, has a technical team with over 60 years of experience in design, engineering and development of shiplift and transfer systems.
“The shiplift is one of our most important infrastructure projects,” said Dario Deste, president and CEO of Fincantieri Marine Group. “We are impressed with Pearlson’s capabilities and record of performance. Pearlson is an innovative American company who has pioneered the shiplift.”
Bryan Fraind, vice president and COO of Pearlson, said: “We are very pleased to be associated with this prestigious shipyard upgrade and modernization project and the respected team of Fincantieri Marinette Marine. This strategic investment by FMM will mean that current and future generations, both in Wisconsin, and the U.S will benefit from a world-class facility which is capable of handling the next generation of U.S. Navy warships.”
The new shiplift system is scheduled to be complete in 2022.
