The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by around 500 guests, including BAE Systems employees, Navy officials, subcontractors, and local community members. Distinguished attendees included Acting Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jim Kilby and BAE Systems, Inc. President and CEO Tom Arseneault.
“Today marks an important milestone as we celebrate the completion of a world-class ship repair facility upgrade here in Florida,” said Arseneault. “The introduction of our new shiplift and land level repair facility represents more than just progress for BAE Systems Ship Repair—it reflects a shared commitment to innovation, growth and collaboration.”
The new facility will enable the maintenance and repair of Navy vessels based in Mayport as well as commercial ships entering the Port of Jacksonville. Its shiplift system can handle vessels displacing up to 25,000 tons and service multiple ships at once on land.
This upgrade triples the shipyard’s capabilities, offering significant improvements in production efficiency and environmental management. It also reflects BAE Systems’ long-term aim to support a wider range of vessels at competitive cost levels.
“From my vantage point, this shiplift and land level facility is contributing to the national movement that is making America safer and more secure,” said Admiral Kilby. “It’s a necessary element to forging a defense industrial base able to support, sustain and generate our fleet.”
The project was carried out in partnership with Pearlson Shiplift Corporation, Foth Engineering, and Kiewit Infrastructure South Co., replacing an 80-year-old drydock. The new platform measures 492 feet by 110 feet and is one of the ten largest shiplift systems globally—and the largest in the Americas.
The facility is expected to lift its first vessel later this month. BAE Systems operates three full-service shipyards across California, Florida, and Virginia, providing maintenance, refit, and fabrication services to both military and commercial clients.
