Derecktor’s Plans for Megayacht Shipyard in Florida Approved

An illustration of the Derecktor Ft. Pierce shipyard. Image courtesy Derecktor Shipyards

Derecktor Shipyards’ plan to built a world-class, full-service repair and refit facility for megayachts at Florida’s Port of Ft. Pierce has taken a significant step forward after receiving approval by U.S. authorities.

The engineering and plans for Derecktor Ft. Pierce’s new 220-foot by 50-foot haul-out basin were approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after an 11-month review. Approval paves the way for construction to commence once the City of Fort Pierce Building Department gives its final approval.

New York-headquartered Derecktor Shipyards in April 2019 announced plans to develop and operate the nation’s first maintenance, repair and refit yards designed specifically to accommodate megayachts over 200 feet. The new yard, named Derecktor Ft. Pierce, will provide direct access from the Atlantic through Ft. Pierce inlet, with no overhead obstructions and a maintained depth of 8 meters.

“Securing a permit from the U.S. Army Corps was no easy feat, especially during a global pandemic, as it required review from several different departments,” said Justin Beard, marketing manager for Derecktor Shipyards. “The haul-out basin is a critical piece of infrastructure at Derecktor Ft. Pierce and it will allow us to lift vessels up to 250 feet in length with our 1,500-ton mobile boat hoist.”

The $6.5 million, 1,500-ton mobile boat hoist is expected to be shipped from Northern Italy to Port Everglades later this year and will be delivered to Fort Pierce by barge. Assembly of the lift – measuring 85 feet tall, 75 feet wide and 120 feet long – is expected to take 6 to 8 weeks to complete.

“An extensive amount of engineering and logistics have gone into this project, and we’re looking forward to breaking ground,” Beard said. “Once construction of the haul-out basin begins, it will take 4 to 5 months to complete, so it won’t be long until the shipyard is able to service large yachts on the hard.”

Beard previously called the Port of Fort Pierce an ideal location for the shipyard as the Fort Pierce Inlet is the widest, deepest, and most navigable inlet between Port Canaveral and Port Everglades. “Deep water access, no overhead obstructions and a generous turning basin provide ample clearance and maneuverability for the global fleet of mega-yachts and large sailing yachts,” explained Beard.

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