Ship Repair USA takes shape ahead of Jacksonville debut

Marine Log’s Ship Repair USA will take place June 23–24, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville, marking the first time the event will be held in Jacksonville, Fla., a region with expanding port, logistics and shipyard activity. The developing program reflects a continued focus on practical, operations-driven topics across the ship repair sector.

The move reflects the event’s focus on connecting shipyards, vessel owners and operators, and service providers in markets where repair demand and maritime infrastructure continue to grow. Jacksonville’s mix of commercial shipping, government logistics and shipbuilding activity provides a relevant setting for discussions centered on vessel maintenance, repair and lifecycle management.

“Jacksonville is a natural fit for Marine Log’s Ship Repair USA, and the Hylant Marine team is looking forward to its debut,” said Sabrina Brigance, managing director – marine, at Hylant. “Events like this play a critical role in strengthening the shipyard community—bringing together operators, yards, and partners to share ideas, address workforce and talent challenges, and build the relationships that will shape the future of our industry.”

Developed to address the challenges facing small and medium-sized ship repair yards and the operators who rely on them, Ship Repair USA emphasizes practical, operations-focused content. The program is designed to examine how repair work is planned and executed, where delays and inefficiencies occur, and how companies are adapting to evolving technical, regulatory and workforce demands.

This year’s agenda will include sessions on predictive maintenance and vessel automation retrofits aimed at reducing downtime and cost, as well as discussions on yard selection and aligning repair capabilities with project scope, schedule and budget. Additional sessions will explore U.S. Coast Guard data requirements and lifecycle management systems, along with approaches to improving drydock return on investment through targeted efficiency upgrades.

Panel discussions will focus on operational decision-making and risk, including how vessel owners evaluate shipyards, how at-risk behavior affects safety and performance, and how logistics and supply chain dynamics are influencing repair timelines and project execution. Workforce-related sessions will examine how shipyards are addressing labor challenges and adapting to changing skill requirements.

“The Fincantieri team is counting down the days until Ship Repair USA makes its Jacksonville debut!” said John Willis, project manager – business development, at Fincantieri. “We’re especially excited for the networking opportunities, including the reception aboard the USS Orleck. It’s an honor to gather in our home city, a city with such a rich naval history to discuss the practical solutions and workforce developments shaping our industry today.” 

Come on board the USS Orleck

A networking event hosted by conference sponsor Hylant will take place June 23 aboard the USS Orleck, a Gearing-class destroyer that served in the U.S. Navy from 1945 to 1982, providing attendees with an opportunity to connect in a historic setting.

Ship Repair USA continues to position itself as a forum for practical discussion across the repair and maintenance sector, with a focus on real-world applications and operational outcomes.

Registration is open, with the first Early Bird discount with savings up to $300 ending May 1.