Fincantieri to operate giant new repair yard in Mexico

Governor of Yucatán, Mauricio Vila Dosal, tweeted this picture of the Mexican end of the virtual signing ceremony

A new ship repair yard to be built in the Port of Progreso in Yucatán State, Mexico, will have two dry docks able to take ships up to 400 meters (1,312 feet) in length. Under a letter of intent signed with the Yucatán State Ministry of Economic Development and Labor, Fincantieri will be granted a 40-year concession for the exclusive management of the new yard and will participate in its design and construction.

The facility will be developed as part of the expansion and modernization of the Port of Progreso, the state’s main port, in a new area dedicated to industrial activities.

In addition to the two giant dry docks — which will be graving docks — the yard will also have a lifting platform for units up to 150 meters in length, docks, cranes, workshops, special equipment, offices, and warehouses.

In addition to cruise ships, the shipyard’s market is seen as being large cargo ships and oil & gas industry vessels.

According to a tweet by the Governor of Yucatán, Mauricio Vila Dosal, Fincantieri will invest $150 million in the project.

Construction of the yard will start by the first half of 2021, completing, in stages, by 2027. The Government of Yucatán will directly manage the initial works through a special purpose company, that will handle the dredging, and the construction of the infrastructures and main plant.

Fincantieri is to provide advice from the outset and will later, with other partners, build the advanced facilities, notably workshops and lifting equipment, install equipment and finally start activities. These will include work force training, both locally and in Italy.

Once the shipyard reaches full operational capacity, it will be able to support an estimated 700 full-time workers, and support a downstream network involving up to 2,500 workers at peak periods.