Work begins today on first commercial vessel; shipyard remains on track to receive first cruise ship in early October
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Grand Bahamas Shipyard has reported that it sustained no significant damage during Hurricane Dorian and has resumed its operations.
The company has welcomed back its first commercial vessel, the 57,062-ton Agathonissos owned by Greece-based Eletson, returning to the yard to complete repair work that began before Hurricane Dorian arrived in The Bahamas earlier this month.
The shipyard, located in Freeport, Grand Bahama, also announced it remains on track for the next planned cruise ship visit, Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Ecstasy, scheduled to arrive on October 5. In total, Grand Bahama Shipyard expects to service 29 dry-dockings throughout the remainder of the year, helping support recovery efforts through the ongoing work of its more than 600 employees and the additional economic activity generated for the surrounding area of Grand Bahama.
Overall, as a result of the storm, Grand Bahama Shipyard had no significant damage, limited primarily to some erosion with no effect on berths. The shipyard is able to fully power its core operations, including docks, workshops and administrative functions, as well as communications infrastructure. The shipyard is also able to produce fresh water and its cafeteria is currently feeding meals to hundreds of workers daily.
“It was extremely important to get up and running as quickly as possible and begin taking in vessels to help support the employees and families at the shipyard, along with economic contributions and rebounding activity for the island,” CEO of Grand Bahama Shipyard David Skentelbery said. “This is a significant sign of positive progress for the island and we look forward to continuing our normal operations while also supporting the Bahamian recovery with direct support, including to island utilities, along with increased economic activity from our operations, and also from the industry’s collective efforts to support The Bahamas with immediate and long-term relief.”
Founded in 2000 by shareholders Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd, and Grand Bahama Port Authority, Grand Bahama Shipyard is a leader in dry-docking, afloat repairs, refurbishments refits and revitalizations for vessels from the cruise, commercial and offshore segments of the maritime industry.
With a strategic location along major shipping routes, Grand Bahama Shipyard schedules 85-100 drydocks each year, including more than two dozen major cruise ship drydocks annually.
