COVID-19 Shipyard Status Updates in the USA: 10 Yards Report

UPDATE, JUNE 3, 2020: Westport employees are returning to work and resuming production, since Washington State has begun lifting stay-at-home orders. The shipyard is following state- and county-required measures for social distancing and other guidelines.

Read on for our original article.

While no state remains immune to the coronavirus crisis, the depths of the impact vary from region to region. In addition, some of our nation’s yacht builders and repair yards have contracts with the Coast Guard and other government agencies. Therefore, they remained operational over the past few months. With the toughest restrictions now lifting coast to coast, here are 10 shipyard status updates, provided by the companies themselves.

Burger Boat Company. The Wisconsin shipyard made no changes to its daily routine. However, only employees, subcontractors, and limited additional personnel attached to a project on the premises can access the site.

Christensen Shipyards. The COVID-19 crisis did not really impact Christensen’s Tennessee shipyard, since it is just now getting operations going. A limited staff has been there, with no megayachts yet in build. All parts of the yard are accessible to visitors. The last Christensen to launch, hull 38, a.k.a. Jackpot (below), remained in Washington State. Finish work “continued relatively unabated throughout the pandemic,” according to Henry Luken, the yard’s chairman.

Derecktor Shipyards. All four yards (one in New York, one in Maine, and two in Florida) have remained open throughout the pandemic. Each site is following state and Centers for Disease Control protocols for social distancing and sanitizing. In addition, the Dania Beach and Fort Pierce sites in Florida are continuing to provide dockage. Derecktor Robinhood in Maine, meanwhile, recently opened its marina for the summer season.

Jarrett Bay Boatworks. Located in North Carolina, Jarrett Bay made no changes to its daily routine. It strongly recommends clients, who must make a prior appointment before visiting, wear PPEs on site. Only employees, subcontractors, and limited additional personnel attached to a project on site have regular access.

Marine Group Boat Works. This California-based refit and repair yard remained open with limited staff, since it was considered a national essential business. Employees, subcontractors, and certain personnel attached to a project on site can access working areas. Limited other visitors, such as owners, must make an appointment prior to arrival, however. Regardless, all people on site, including visitors, must wear PPEs.  

Newport Shipyard. Megayachts making their way to New England for the summer have been in touch with the facility (below), since it is now open. Some yachts are already on site, too. Though, note that Rhode Island state officials require yacht crew arriving from other waters to quarantine onboard for 14 days. In addition, all visitors must wear face masks, follow social distancing, and, for those doing work, clean and sanitize all frequent touch points. The yard staff is doing the same site-wide. Because the state’s reopening regulations are changing regularly, contact the dock office for current arrival and dockage procedures.

Roscioli Yachting Center. The facility never closed its doors, remaining operational with limited staff and following Florida state guidelines. As the state begins lifting restrictions in the next few weeks, Roscioli plans to reopen its captains lounge, gym, and laundry, too. In the meantime, while visitors are permitted, Roscioli strongly recommends wearing masks or other PPEs. Furthermore, no outside contractors are permitted at this time.

Tampa Ship. Similar to Marine Group Boat Works, Tampa Ship was considered a national essential business. While all parts of the Floridian yard are accessible, it’s just for employees, subcontractors, and limited additional personnel attached to a yacht already on site. A spokesperson adds, “Our drydocks are full, and the shipyard is busy,” a spokesperson says, recommending that yachts seeking summer maintenance should book soon.

Viking Yachts. New Jersey permitted manufacturing to continue even during its toughest COVID-19 restrictions. But, Viking Yachts decided to close its doors temporarily, starting March 19. On April 6, it began phasing back in on-site operations, with 70 percent of the workforce returning by mid-April. All employees have PPEs (some made on site), and Viking is following mandated social distancing, sanitation, and cleaning procedures.

Westport Yachts. The Washington State shipyard temporarily suspended all activities and remains closed. The staff is monitoring state reopening plans and will comply with the guidance when announced.

Burger Boat Company burgerboat.com

Christensen Shipyards christensenyachts.com

Derecktor Shipyards derecktor.com

Jarrett Bay Boatworks jarrettbay.com

Marine Group Boat Works marinegroupbw.com

Newport Shipyard newportshipyard.com

Roscioli Yachting Center rycshipyard.com

Tampa Ship tampabayship.com

Viking Yachts vikingyachts.com

Westport Yachts westportyachts.com