M/Y Cracker Bay on a travel lift at Derecktor Shipyard in Dania Beach, FL. Photo: Derecktor
Derecktor Shipyards has been chosen develop and operate the first purpose-built megayacht repair and refit yard in the United States located in Fort Pierce, Florida.
The yet-to-be-built yard will be developed to service yachts of over 200 ft. and 900 plus tons. It will also include a 1400 ton mobile hoist (along with a 3500 ton or larger drydock) for the hauling and service of large sailing yachts, which are currently are restricted almost exclusively to European shipyards.
“Vessels of this size have no U.S. facility built specifically for them and presents a tremendous opportunity for Derecktor Fort Pierce, as the new yard will be known,” Derecktor said in a press release.
Once in full operation, Derecktor Fort Pierce will employ more than 200 people directly and hundreds more through subcontractors and suppliers.
The selection of Derecktor was made Wednesday by the St. Lucie Board of County Commissioners by unanimous vote following an extensive competition.
“We are excited to be chosen by the County to create something special in Fort Pierce” said Paul Derecktor, President of Derecktor Holdings, Inc.. “The process was very thorough and our team did a great job throughout. I’d like to thank the County, the community and all our supporters in the industry for their involvement.”
Derecktor said it is now negotiating for a mutually beneficial contract with the county in hopes of getting the new yard up and running as soon as possible, although complete build-out will take several years.
“We’re ready to start work on the site and bring boats in for dockside jobs as soon as an agreement is reached,” Paul Derecktor commented. “We can’t wait to show the people of St. Lucie County and the megayacht world what Derecktor Fort Pierce can become”.
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