BAE Systems has started the construction of a new ship repair facility in Jacksonville, Florida.
The company will produce a site to support the US Navy and commercial vessels docked at Naval Station Mayport starting in 2025.
Ship Lift System and Land-Level Repair Complex
Valued at $200 million, the construction includes establishing a ship lift system and land-level repair complex.
The ship lift system will have a 492 by 110 foot (150 by 34 meter) articulated platform to service a Flight III guided missile destroyer.
Meanwhile, the land-level repair complex will provide customers with water containment, electrical, and sewage services.
Dry-docked vessels will be transferred from the ship lift platform to repair berths via self-propelled modular transporters and a cradle system.
This approach enables simultaneous onboard ship repairs while preventing obstructions to the ship lift system and other works in the facility.
A ‘Critical Investment’
Once completed, the Jacksonville site will expand BAE’s shipyard docking capacity by 300 percent and generate approximately 1,000 new jobs.
“As the chair of Space Florida’s board of directors, I congratulate BAE Systems upon its groundbreaking ceremony,” Florida Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez stated.
“This critical investment will facilitate improved capacity to service U.S military vessels and bring high wage jobs to Florida’s First Coast. I look forward to seeing the impact the Jacksonville Ship Repair expansion project will have on our maritime capabilities.”