Alabama-based shipbuilder Austal USA is poised to take over the lease of Marine Group Boat Works at the Port of San Diego, a move that would allow the company to concentrate on repairing vessels for the U.S. Navy, Military Sealift Command and Coast Guard.
Port commissioners recently approved the lease, which encompasses a 15-acre site near the U.S. Naval Base San Diego with a new dry dock “designed specifically to handle small surface combatants and other small to medium size ships,” according to the company.
“Austal USA’s presence is growing across the United States, and this latest expansion of facilities in San Diego enables our service business to deliver even greater through-life support for vessels operating on the West Coast,” Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg said.
Austal USA President Rusty Murdaugh said that the facility expands the company’s commitment to ensure its customers are receiving the Austal brand quality throughout the lifecycle of the ships it delivers.
“Austal USA has made continuous improvement a cornerstone of our culture and operations,” Murdaugh said.
Austal USA and Marine Group Boat Works are expected to close on the lease at the end of a 45-day exclusive negotiating period.
