NASSAU, BAHAMAS- Grand Bahama Shipyard increased Bahamian hiring by 24 percent and boosted its use of local subcontractors by 65 percent during its 2026 cruise repair season, as the company completed repair and maintenance projects on 28 vessels and generated significant economic activity across Grand Bahama.
The cruise repair season, which typically runs from November through May, is the period when cruise lines schedule major repairs, refurbishments and maintenance projects in preparation for the industry’s peak operating months. While the season’s numbers reflect strong operational performance, GBSL says its greatest achievement was the dedication and commitment demonstrated by its workforce.
According to GBSL, teams across the organisation worked through an exceptionally demanding schedule to meet customer requirements while maintaining the high standards expected by some of the world’s leading cruise operators.
“The combination of a demanding repair schedule and the integration of new dry dock infrastructure has made this one of the busiest periods we have experienced in recent years,” said Chris Earl, Chief Executive Officer of Grand Bahama Shipyard.
“Meeting customer deadlines while maintaining our safety and quality standards required extraordinary effort and commitment from our entire workforce. I am pleased to report that our Bahamian hires during this time increased by 24 percent and our utilization of local subcontractors increased by 65 percent.”
As one of Grand Bahama’s largest industrial employers, Grand Bahama Shipyard says it remains committed to delivering value to its customers and stakeholders while supporting the wider Bahamian economy. During the seven-month cruise repair season, more than 15,000 crew members, specialist contractors and subcontractors associated with vessels undergoing repair were present in Grand Bahama. Their extended stays generated significant economic activity across the island, benefiting hotels, vacation rentals, restaurants, supermarkets, transportation providers and numerous other local businesses.
This influx of visitors underscores the vital role the shipyard continues to play as an economic engine for Grand Bahama, creating opportunities that extend well beyond the facility’s gates and into the broader community.
The accomplishments of the 2026 season come at a time when global demand for cruise ship repair and maintenance services continues to grow.
“Our ability to successfully manage a high volume of projects further strengthens our position as a premier destination for marine repair services in the region,” Earl noted.
The successful season also coincides with the continued transformation of Grand Bahama Shipyard. In August 2024, the company signed a Heads of Agreement with the Government of The Bahamas for the redevelopment and expansion of the facility, representing a $665 million investment in critical infrastructure, new dry dock capacity and long-term employment opportunities for Bahamians.
November 2025 saw the arrival of the first of two new floating dry docks, East End, a massive structure measuring 357.39 metres in length and 70 metres in beam. The arrival of the East End dock gave the yard two docks to work with this season and now the Lucayan dock, which arrived just weeks ago, and is currently undergoing preparations for integration into the yard’s operations, will significantly expand the shipyard’s capacity. The third dock is the largest in the region and will enhance GBSL’s ability to service the world’s largest cruise and commercial vessels.
“We are extremely proud of our operational achievements this season, but our greatest accomplishment remains the people who made them possible,” said Earl. “The dedication, resilience and sacrifice demonstrated by our employees enabled us to meet our commitments and achieve these results. We are deeply grateful for their hard work and unwavering commitment to the success of Grand Bahama Shipyard.”
