Grand Bahama Shipyard $600m transformation will make world's largest cruise repair facility

The project, announced earlier, is expected to bring billions of dollars in economic impact to Grand Bahama’s economy over the next 25 years and make it the world's largest cruise ship repair facility.

Grand Bahama Shipyard shareholders for the past 24 years have been Carnival Corp. & plc, Royal Caribbean Group and Grand Bahama Port Authority.

World-class floating docks

Since breaking ground in late 2023 on the transformation project, steel has been cut on two world-class floating docks and preparations have started for their delivery to Freeport in 2025 and 2026. The docks — the largest in the world — will allow the yard to service the entire range of cruise ships in operation and under construction, as well as much of the world’s commercial shipping fleet.

This means the facility will more than bounce back since a 2019 incident when Drydock No. 2 was damaged after a giant crane collapsed. Oasis of the Seas also sustained damage, and eight people were injured. Since then, the largest ships have had to go other facilities.

Landmark agreement

'This landmark agreement signals a bold new chapter for Grand Bahama and our entire nation,' Prime Minister Philip Davis said. 'The $600 million investment in Grand Bahama Shipyard not only secures our place as a global leader in maritime repair but also lays the foundation for sustained economic growth and job creation for Bahamians. We are committed to ensuring that the benefits of this transformation are felt across the island and that Grand Bahama continues to rise as a pillar of our national economy.'

Deputy Prime Minister/Tourism Minister Chester Cooper added: 'This monumental step won’t be the last.'

Enduring partnership

Royal Caribbean Group President/CEO Jason Liberty expressed pride in the 'enduring partnership with The Bahamas and the progress it has yielded over the decades.' He said: 'By working closely together on the Grand Bahama Shipyard transformation project we are deepening the impact of this significant industrial investment and ensuring it reaches beyond our industry to create long-lasting opportunities for the Bahamian workforce and local communities.'

According to Josh Weinstein, president/CEO of Carnival Corp. & plc., the transformation investment will 'establish The Bahamas as the global epicenter of ship repair and a vital service provider for cruise and commercial shipping fleets.'

'The Grand Bahama Port Authority is committed to fostering a stronger, more connected Freeport economy that benefits Bahamians and the Grand Bahama Shipyard transformation delivers across every measure,' said Rupert Hayward, director of Grand Bahama Port Authority and Grand Bahama Shipyard. 'This expansion not only positions Grand Bahama at the forefront of global ship repair, but it also promises sustainable economic impact for local businesses and the community. We look forward to the positive ripple effects on Freeport’s important and growing economy.'

Jobs

The shipyard is the largest private non-tourism employer in The Bahamas. With the transformation project, hundreds of full-time jobs are expected to be created once the yard is in full operation.

'At the shipyard we are managing the infrastructure upgrades required to accommodate the new docks, they are progressing on time and we eagerly await the arrival of the new docks so that we can return to our position as a major world player in the global ship repair market and to our position as world’s busiest cruise ship repair facility,' said Dave Skentelbery, CEO, Grand Bahama Shipyard.

'Alongside the infrastructure we are advanced in our planning of ensuring we have enough skilled persons and resources to carryout the works for our valued customers,' he noted.

Apprenticeship program

The shipyard’s apprenticeship program is also ramping up as part of the project, helping equip Bahamians for the marine trade workforce. The four-year program developed with Bahamas Vocational and Technical Institute and the Engineering College in Birkenhead, Liverpool provides training and workshops to ensure trainees are well-versed in all international standards.

The first cohort of apprentices started in fall 2023 and recruitment for the second group is now under way with the goal of having over 80 apprentices in training across four trades.