Press Release
Grand Bahama Shipyard has successfully completed the first dry docking at its newly commissioned East End floating dock, marking a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing $600 million redevelopment programme and the beginning of a new era of expanded operations.
The cruise vessel Carnival Elation became the first ship to be lifted at the East End dock, formally launching regular operations at the new facility. The docking represents the transition of Grand Bahama Shipyard into a fully operational two-dock operation, with plans to expand to three docks upon the anticipated arrival of the Lucayan floating dock in late 2026.
The East End dock, constructed by CSSC Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding in China, measures approximately 357 metres in length with a beam of about 70 metres and is engineered to lift vessels of up to 93,500 tons. Equipped with four cranes and modern control systems, the floating structure significantly enhances the shipyard’s technical capability and operational flexibility. Shoreside infrastructure improvements, including pier extensions, were completed to support the dock’s integration into daily operations.
Carnival Elation entered drydock on January 16, 2026, for a scheduled maintenance period and returned to service on February 9, 2026, as planned. The project included technical and statutory work required for continued service. While specific project details remain confidential in keeping with client protocols, the docking was completed successfully and delivered on schedule.
Chris Earl, CEO of Grand Bahama Shipyard, described the occasion as a defining moment for the organization.
“The first docking following a significant investment in a new facility represents the efforts, years of hard work, and determination of an entire Team. Docking and delivery Carnival Elation on time is a reflection of that commitment and serves notice of Grand Bahama Shipyard’s potential to become the world leading cruise ship repair facility in the coming years.”
The successful docking underscores the shipyard’s steady progress toward its long-term vision of becoming the premier cruise ship repair yard in the region. The East End dock restores and expands multi-dock capability following the loss of prior docking assets in 2019, allowing the yard once again to accommodate multiple cruise vessels simultaneously.
Grand Bahama Shipyard is operated as a joint venture between Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group, and MSC Cruises, positioning it at the centre of global cruise maintenance demand. Industry forecasts indicate a busy maintenance cycle in 2026 across multiple brands, highlighting the importance of reliable, high-capacity repair infrastructure.
As redevelopment progresses and additional capacity comes online, Grand Bahama Shipyard remains focused on operational excellence, client satisfaction, and delivering complex projects safely and efficiently.
Photo courtesy of Alfred Anderson for Barefoot Marketing
