Grand Bahama Shipyard is set to enhance its operations with the addition of a new floating dock by the end of the year. This development is part of a large-scale expansion initiative aimed at boosting the facility's capacity and capabilities. The newly appointed CEO, Chris Earl, has announced that the primary objective is to prepare the dock for its first repair assignment, expected in January 2026. Earl, a seasoned veteran with extensive experience in shipyard operations, has also highlighted the overhaul of the company’s apprenticeship program, aiming to cultivate a more skilled Bahamian workforce. In collaboration with a UK-based training institution, Grand Bahama Shipyard has launched an intensive training program, recently sending 20 apprentices to Liverpool. The training focuses on four critical trades within the shipyard: welding, fabrication, mechanical engineering, and pipefitting. Over a four-year period, these apprentices will gain hands-on experience and obtain additional qualifications to prepare them for permanent positions at the shipyard. The training manager, Elvardo Kemp, emphasized the program's goal of replacing foreign workers with skilled Bahamians. He underscored that a job offer awaits the apprentices upon completing their training, a move expected to reduce expatriate dependency significantly in the future. The program has been expanded from last year, reflecting the company’s commitment to continuous improvement and local talent development. Apprentices Krispin Bartlett and Michael Clark expressed enthusiasm for the opportunities afforded by this program. Selected from hundreds of applicants, they view this international training as a chance to enhance their skills and broaden their cultural perspectives, ultimately reinforcing the shipyard's operational strength.

Source: https://www.tribune242.com/news/2025/may/19/gb-shipyard-targets-new-floating-dock-this-year/