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General Dynamics plans $22 million Portsmouth shipyard expansion, promises up to 200 jobs
Summary
City staff presented 'Project Semper Melior,' a General Dynamics proposal to reconstruct piers and add cranes at its Harper Avenue Portsmouth shipyard, describing roughly $22,000,000 in investment and up to 200 jobs, with work expected to complete in 2025.
Port staff on Thursday described a major expansion plan by General Dynamics at its Harper Avenue shipyard in Portsmouth that would rebuild waterfront piers and add cranes to accommodate larger vessels.
"Essentially what they're looking to do is reconstruct their waterfront, including their piers as well as the installation of new cranes to support larger vessels being serviced at the Portsmouth yard," Mr. Dunning said. He said the work would allow the yard to service larger LHD vessels that today must go to Norfolk.
Staff estimated the work would represent "approximately $22,000,000 investment in terms of the real estate improvements and machinery and tools" and said the project could create "up to 200 new jobs over the next two years," with construction work already commenced and an expected completion in 2025.
City staff said the expansion would create new contracting opportunities in the region and that General Dynamics qualifies for several local and state incentive programs as the site lies in a Virginia enterprise zone. A commissioner asked whether the project includes a floating dry dock; staff said they were not aware of that detail and would follow up with additional information.
The presentation was informational; no formal action or vote on incentives or agreements was recorded at the meeting. Staff indicated future contract awards and larger ships coming to Portsmouth could follow as the work proceeds.
