Photo courtesy BAE Systems
BAE Systems has started construction of a $200 million upgrade and modernization project at its repair complex in Jacksonville, Florida.
The new complex will expand the BAE Systems shipyard’s docking capacity by 300% to support the repair of Mayport-based Navy ships and commercial vessels.
The project entails the construction of a modern Pearlson Shiplift and land-level repair, allowing the facility to accommodate a Flight III U.S. Navy guided missile destroyer or a commercial vessel displacing about 25,000 tons. Construction and operation of the repair facility is expected to generate approximately 1,000 new jobs.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by U.S. Representative Aaron Bean, Pearlson’s President and Chief Operating Officer Kelly Pearlson Fraind, and BAE Systems Platforms & Services President Jeremy Tondreault.
The complex will feature a new state-of-the-art shiplift system built by Pearlson Shiplift Corporation, with a 492-foot by 110-foot articulated platform. Once out of the water, dry-docked ships will be moved from the shiplift platform to one of several repair berths inside the shipyard by a series of self-propelled modular transporters and a Pearlson-designed cradle system.
The land-level repair area in the shipyard will provide electrical, sewage, and water services to docked ships, as well as stormwater containment. In addition to supporting the Navy’s surface fleet at Naval Station Mayport, BAE Systems expects to expand its offerings within the commercial ship repair market.
“The shiplift project is a significant investment by BAE Systems in the Jacksonville port, and we look forward to building this new complex to expand our shipyard’s capacity to meet commercial and government ship repair needs,” said BAE Systems Platforms & Services President Jeremy Tondreault. “We also appreciate the support and contributions of the state and local leaders, and all of our partners, who helped to make this a reality.”
The construction project is a joint effort involving Pearlson Shiplift Corporation, Foth Engineering, and Kiewit Infrastructure South Co., with Foth and Pearlson Shiplift responsible for the overall facility design, construction management and engineering, and key equipment supply. Kiewit will serve as general contractor for the project.
The project is scheduled to be completed in 2025.
“The new Pearlson Shiplift System and land level facility for BAE Systems Jacksonville Ship Repair, when commissioned, will be the largest in both North and South America and the most modern shiplift facility in the world,” said Pearlson’s President and Chief Operating Officer Kelly Pearlson Fraind.
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