Press Release
In another major stride toward its ongoing expansion and commitment to Bahamian workforce development, Grand Bahama Shipyard Limited (GBSL) recently celebrated the graduation of ten Bahamian crane operators following an intensive 12-week Tower Crane Training Program.
The training, conducted in partnership with Industrial Training International (ITI), an Interplay Learning company and global leader in crane, rigging, and load-handling education, marked a significant milestone for the shipyard as it prepares for the arrival of its new, state-of-the-art floating docks, part of a $600 million modernization initiative transforming GBSL into one of the world’s largest and most advanced ship repair facilities. https://www.iti.com/
The Tower Crane Training Graduation Ceremony, held on October 30 at the Grand Bahama Shipyard, recognized the achievements of the ten Bahamian trainees who successfully completed the course. Each graduate is now certified and ready to take on critical roles in operating the new high-capacity cranes that will support GBSL’s expanded operations.
“It’s a privilege for ITI to support Grand Bahama Shipyard in elevating their workforce through a fully integrated training solution, combining instructor-led training, ITI VR crane simulators, and digital learning modules,” said Amanda Long, Senior Vice President, Industrial at ITI. “Seeing the new tower-crane team complete this comprehensive program is a testament to GBSL’s commitment to investing in their people and making safety and skill a top priority. This milestone reflects what can be achieved when an organization invests deeply in its workforce, and seeing these graduates step confidently into their new roles is what makes partnerships like this so meaningful to us at ITI.”
The 12-week program was designed to meet international safety and operational standards, blending classroom instruction, virtual reality simulations, and practical crane operation experience. Topics covered included rigging fundamentals, hardware selection, load handling, overhead crane troubleshooting, and lockout/tagout procedures, all critical areas in industrial safety and precision lifting.
“The Tower Crane course I completed with ITI was an exceptional experience that far exceeded my expectations,” said one of the program’s graduates, Virgil Stuart, who described the training as transformative. ”This training was so much more than just learning how to operate a tower crane; it was a comprehensive educational journey that equipped both new and experienced operators like myself with the knowledge and skills to work safely and efficiently.”
Beyond crane operation, the online modules provided in-depth instruction in critical areas such as rigging fundamentals, rigging hardware selection, overhead crane troubleshooting, lockout/tagout procedures, and general industry safety.
“This training didn’t just build technical competence, it prepared us to be leaders in driving cultural change at the Grand Bahama Shipyard,” added Stuart. “I now feel more confident and empowered to contribute meaningfully to a safer, more efficient, and forward-thinking work environment.”
The initiative aligns closely with GBSL’s long-standing commitment to safety, skill development, and local employment. Established in 1999, Grand Bahama Shipyard has grown into a key industrial anchor for the island, employing hundreds of Bahamians and servicing a global clientele of cruise lines and commercial shipping companies.
With the upcoming arrival of two massive floating docks, the ‘East End’ dock, set to arrive this month, and the larger ‘Lucayan’ dock expected in 2026, GBSL is positioning itself as a world-class leader in ship repair and maintenance. The new docks will provide unmatched lifting capacity, enabling the yard to service the largest cruise vessels in operation today.
That investment in human capital, through programs like the ITI partnership, has earned GBSL high praise from local labor representatives. “We appreciate the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of these young Bahamian professionals,” said Maybell Bridgewater, President of the Grand Bahama Port Authority Workers Union. “The Grand Bahama Shipyard’s investment in developing trade skills and prioritizing employee safety demonstrates a commitment to the growth and well-being of Bahamian workers.”
The training not only strengthens the technical capabilities of the shipyard’s workforce but also reinforces its culture of safety and excellence, an essential element of its ISO 9001, ISO 45001:18, and ISO 14001 certifications.
According to CEO Christopher Earl, initiatives like the Tower Crane Training Program are central to the shipyard’s strategy for sustainable growth. “At Grand Bahama Shipyard, our success depends on the expertise and dedication of our people. By investing in world-class training, we’re ensuring that Bahamians continue to be at the forefront of our operations as we expand. This program represents both an investment in our team and in the future of Grand Bahama’s industrial sector.”
