BAE Systems launches new shiplift and land level ship repair facility in Jacksonville

BAE Systems unveiled its new shiplift and land level repair complex during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on 2 June 2025 at the company’s shipyard in Jacksonville, Florida.

The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the company’s USD 250 million (EUR 219 million) investment plans to transform its ship repair capabilities and solidify its role as a key partner to the US Navy and commercial maritime industry.

The event brought together around 500 attendees, including BAE Systems employees, subcontractors, US Navy personnel, shipyard neighbours, local community members and other distinguished guests, including Acting Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jim Kilby and BAE Systems Inc President and CEO Tom Arseneault.

The shiplift and land level repair complex will support the maintenance and repair of Mayport-based US Navy vessels and commercial ships sailing into the Port of Jacksonville. With the capacity to lift ships displacing up to 25,000 tons and accommodate multiple vessels for maintenance simultaneously ashore, the new complex expands the shipyard’s capabilities threefold.

The new facility will significantly enhance production efficiency, strengthen regional maritime capabilities and advance environmental stewardship, according to BAE. Its completion represents the company’s long-term initiative to bolster support for the US Navy while also accommodating a broader range of commercial vessels at competitive scales.

“Today marks an important milestone as we celebrate the completion of a world-class ship repair facility upgrade here in Florida,” stated Arseneault at the ceremony. “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. Together with the United States Navy, and other key industry partners that depend on this port, we are building a stronger foundation for the future, to help maintain our maritime superiority.”

“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 Adm Kilby. “It’s a necessary element to forging a defence-industrial base able to support, sustain and generate our fleet.”

The project, together with Pearlson Shiplift Corporation, Foth Engineering and Kiewit Infrastructure South Co, replaces an 80-year-old drydock that had reached the end of its lifecycle. The state-of-the-art shiplift system’s platform spans 492×110 ft (150×34 m), offering a more cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional drydocks. It will be one of the 10 largest shiplift systems in the world and the largest in the Americas.

The first vessel lift to take place in the facility is anticipated later in June 2025.

BAE Systems is a major provider of ship repair, maintenance, and modernisation services to the US Navy’s fleet of combatant ships in their homeports, as well as refit and hauling services for commercial and privately held vessels and fabrication services for the US Navy’s submarine industrial base. The company operates three full-service shipyards in California, Florida, and Virginia, which include seven dry docks and significant pier space and ship support services.