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BAE Systems Unveils State-of-the-Art Shiplift in Jacksonville
Last month, BAE Systems unveiled its new shiplift and land level repair complex during a ribboncutting ceremony at the company’s Jacksonville, Florida shipyard. This marks a significant milestone in the $250 million investment to transform its ship repair capabilities and solidify its role as a key partner to the U.S. Navy and commercial maritime industry.
A New Era for Ship Repair in Jacksonville
The new shiplift and land level repair complex is set to revolutionize maintenance and repair for Mayport-based Navy vessels and commercial ships sailing into the Port of Jacksonville. With the incredible capacity to lift ships displacing up to 25,000 tons and accommodate multiple vessels for maintenance simultaneously ashore, this new complex expands the shipyard’s capabilities threefold!
BAE Systems’ state-of-the-art facility will significantly boost production efficiency, strengthen regional maritime capabilities, and advance environmental stewardship. Its completion represents the company’s long-term commitment to bolstering support for the U.S. Navy while also accommodating a broader range of commercial vessels at competitive scales.
Innovation at Its Core
This massive project, a collaboration 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 brand-new shiplift system’s platform spans an impressive 492 feet by 110 feet, offering a more cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional drydocks. It’s truly a marvel of engineering, making it one of the ten largest shiplift systems in the world and the largest in the Americas!
A Vital Asset for National Defense
Acting Chief of Naval Operations Adm. James Kilby attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, underscoring the Navy’s commitment to revitalizing the shipbuilding industrial base—an essential step in restoring and sustaining fleet readiness. Jacksonville Ship Repair is a major supplier of surface fleet maintenance and operates the only Navy-certified docking facility of its kind, playing a critical role in the Navy’s ability to maintain and modernize its ships.
Adm. Kilby delivered the keynote address, highlighting how the facility’s expansion enhances the Navy’s capability to rapidly repair and upgrade vessels, directly contributing to restoring operational readiness and ensuring mission success.
"BAE’s new Shiplift and Land Level Repair Facility is a significant investment that will pay dividends for both our Navy and our commercial partners for years to come,” said Kilby. “This means greater lethality. It means warfighting effectiveness. It’s what our Navy needs for the future fight.”
This more than $200 million expansion significantly increases the shipyard’s capacity—tripling its repair capabilities—allowing for faster and more efficient service. This investment not only strengthens national defense but also drives regional economic growth by revitalizing vital industrial infrastructure.
Our Continued Commitment to Jacksonville’s Maritime Future
This project underscores Miller Electric’s commitment to advancing our pre-fabrication capabilities and demonstrates our proficiency in executing industrial work in waterfront environments. Working on this project continues to strengthen our Federal team’s resolve to support the Navy in one of the nation’s largest Navy towns in Jacksonville and how we continue to build our port business with jobs like this, the jobs we have at Jaxport, and at the surrounding Navy bases.