Grand Bahama Shipyard resumes operations

Grand Bahama Shipyard welcomes its first commercial vessel, the Agathonissos owned by Greece-based Eletson, after resuming operations following Hurricane Dorian

Grand Bahama Shipyard (GBS) reports that it has officially resumed operations, welcoming back its first commercial vessel, the 57,062-ton Agathonissos. Owned by Greece-based Eletson, it returned to the shipyard yesterday to complete repair work that began before Hurricane Dorian hit the Bahamas.

The shipyard, located in Freeport, Grand Bahama, says 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 carry out 29 drydockings 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.

Grand Bahama Shipyard says damage it incurred in the storm was 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. It 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,” said David Skentelbery, CEO of Grand Bahama Shipyard. “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 drydockings each year, including more than two dozen major cruise ship drydockings annually.