NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Grand Bahama Shipyard has completed the first dry docking at its newly commissioned East End floating dock, a landmark achievement in the company’s $600 million redevelopment programme that signals a new phase of expanded operations and capacity growth.
The cruise vessel Carnival Elation became the first ship lifted at the East End dock, formally launching regular operations at the facility and transitioning the yard into a fully functional two-dock operation. The company expects to expand to three docks with the anticipated arrival of the Lucayan floating dock in late 2026.
Constructed by CSSC Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding in China, the East End dock measures approximately 357 metres in length with a beam of about 70 metres and is engineered to lift vessels of up to 93,500 tons. Outfitted with four cranes and advanced control systems, the floating structure substantially strengthens the shipyard’s technical capabilities and operational flexibility. Complementary shoreside infrastructure upgrades, including pier extensions, were completed to support seamless integration into daily operations.
Carnival Elation entered drydock on January 16, 2026, for scheduled maintenance and returned to service on February 9, 2026, on schedule. The project included technical and statutory work required for continued operation. While specific details remain confidential under client protocols, the docking was executed successfully and delivered as planned.
Chief Executive Officer Chris Earl described the docking as a defining moment for the organization.
“The first docking following a significant investment in a new facility represents the efforts, years of hard work, and determination of an entire Team. Docking and delivery Carnival Elation on time is a reflection of that commitment and serves notice of Grand Bahama Shipyard’s potential to become the world leading cruise ship repair facility in the coming years,” he said.
The milestone underscores the shipyard’s progress toward its long-term vision of becoming the premier cruise ship repair hub in the region. The East End dock restores and expands multi-dock capability following the loss of previous docking assets in 2019, enabling the yard once again to service multiple cruise vessels simultaneously.
The shipyard operates as a joint venture among Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group, and MSC Cruises, placing it at the centre of global cruise maintenance demand. Industry forecasts point to an active maintenance cycle in 2026 across several major brands, reinforcing the strategic importance of high-capacity, reliable repair infrastructure in the region.
As redevelopment advances and additional capacity comes online, Grand Bahama Shipyard says it remains focused on operational excellence, client satisfaction, and the safe, efficient delivery of increasingly complex projects.
