MSC Cruises has become the latest stakeholder in the Grand Bahama Shipyard/Freeport venture, joining Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean Group in an alliance to elevate the yard into a premier facility for cruise and commercial vessel repairs.
This move aligns with an ambitious USD 600 million (~EUR 510 M) redevelopment plan aimed at expanding the yard’s capacity and capabilities.
At the heart of the transformation are two forthcoming floating drydocks. The first, christened East End, spans 357 m by 76 m with a lifting capacity of 93,500 tons. Outfitted with four cranes and advanced control systems, it is expected to arrive in the Bahamas by November and commence operations in January 2026.
The second dock, Lucayan, will boast a world-leading 125,000‑ton lift capacity and is scheduled to be operational later in 2026—enabling the yard to accommodate the largest cruise ships and heavy commercial vessels.
Following MSC’s entry, Chris Earl (Grand Bahama Shipyard's CEO) acknowledged the renewed momentum in the yard’s expansion and modernization. He noted that the increased activity would stimulate local commerce, generate employment, and contribute to socioeconomic growth for Grand Bahamians.
Industry analysts anticipate that, once fully operational, the shipyard will handle between 85 to 100 drydocking projects annually—including around two dozen cruise ship refits—alongside routine servicing and emergency repairs for various commercial shipping clients.
MSC’s participation not only brings additional investment but also cements its position in a strategically shared infrastructure that enhances scheduling control for its fleet, previously reliant on yards in Europe or competing for slots with rival lines.