St. Johns Ship Building wins its first U.S. Navy shipbuilding contract

St. Johns Ship Building, located in Palatka, Florida, has achieved a significant milestone by securing its first shipbuilding contract with the U.S. Navy. This contract involves the construction of a dive support vessel (DSV) designed for specialized diving operations, underwater support, and training. The announcement marks a pivotal moment for the company, which is a subsidiary of Americraft Marine.

Significance of the Contract

Joe Rella, president of St. Johns Ship Building, expressed pride in the achievement, stating, “Securing our first contract with the U.S. Navy is a tremendous achievement and reflects the dedication, talent, and hard work of our entire team.” He emphasized that this contract not only showcases the shipyard’s ability to meet the Navy’s stringent standards but also aligns with Americraft Marine’s broader vision. The company aims to support the objectives outlined in the SHIPS for America Act, which seeks to expand and revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding industry.

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St. Johns Ship Building (SJSB) is recognized as a HUBZone certified small business, specializing in the construction and repair of vessels that comply with the Jones Act. The company’s expertise spans a variety of projects, including crew transfer vessels, ferries, tugboats, landing craft, and barges. This new contract with the Navy is expected to enhance their capabilities and further establish their reputation in the maritime sector.

Since being acquired by Americraft Marine in June 2022, St. Johns Ship Building has undergone significant upgrades. The yard recently completed the delivery of three crew transfer vessels for WINDEA CTV LLC, a partnership involving MidOcean Wind and Hornblower Wind, with support from WINDEA Offshore GmbH & Co. KG. This recent success underscores the shipyard’s commitment to growth and innovation in the shipbuilding industry.