California Developer Plans Major West Coast Shipyard
A California-based real estate development firm is setting its sights on creating a massive shipyard on the West Coast, aiming to rival the largest facilities in China. California Forever, a well-funded property developer with backing from prominent tech investors, has ambitious plans that include a sprawling manufacturing park and a new city in the region. This initiative could significantly reshape the economic landscape of Northern California.
Transforming Solano County with a New Shipyard
California Forever is proposing the construction of the Solano Foundry, a 2,100-acre manufacturing park located northeast of San Francisco. This facility is designed to attract high-tech manufacturers, leveraging its proximity to Silicon Valley’s engineering talent. The developer envisions not just an industrial hub but also a new city that would accommodate 400,000 residents and feature 170,000 homes. To facilitate this extensive project, California Forever has acquired over 100 square miles of land—approximately 70,000 acres—between Vacaville and Antioch.
In a strategic move to ensure local workforce engagement, California Forever has entered into an agreement with regional construction labor unions. This deal mandates that the majority of workers on projects within the development’s boundaries will be union members for the next 40 years. This commitment aims to bolster job creation and support the local economy.
Strategic Location and Economic Impact
In addition to the manufacturing park, California Forever has secured rights to 7,500 acres of waterfront land along a 30-foot-deep channel in the Sacramento River. This site is recognized as the largest undeveloped area suitable for shipbuilding in the United States. It complements the existing capabilities at Mare Island, a former U.S. Navy shipyard located just 25 miles from the proposed Solano site. An economic impact study has estimated that the development of the Solano Shipyard could cost around $22 billion over 30 years, potentially creating approximately 40,000 jobs—nearly double the workforce of HII Newport News Shipbuilding.
NYK to Recover Emissions from Car Carriers at Berth in California
The revival of shipbuilding in the region comes at a crucial time, especially following the recent closure of the Mare Island yard, which had been operational since World War II. The yard ceased operations earlier this month after losing a contract, resulting in the loss of about 80 jobs in Solano County. With the region already facing the departure of two other major industrial employers, the proposed mega-industrial project could significantly offset these job losses and revitalize the local economy.
