An Eletson LR2 tanker has become the first commercial ship to dock at the Grand Bahamas Shipyard in the wake ofHurricane Dorian.
The 106,000-dwt Agathonissos (built 2002) returned to the yard on Wednesday to complete repair work that began before Hurricane Dorian arrived in The Bahamas earlier this month.
The shipyard, located in Freeport, Grand Bahama, also announced it remains on track for the next planned cruise ship visit, Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Ecstasy, scheduled to arrive on 5 October 2019.
In total, Grand Bahama Shipyard said it expects to service 29 dry-dockings throughout the remainder of the year.
“Overall, as a result of the storm, Grand Bahama Shipyard had no significant damage, limited primarily to some erosion with no effect on berths,” it said.
“The shipyard is able to fully power its core operations, including docks, workshops and administrative functions, as well as communications infrastructure.
“The shipyard is also able to produce fresh water and its cafeteria is currently feeding meals to hundreds of workers daily.”
David Skentelbery, chief executive of Grand Bahama Shipyard, commented: “It was extremely important to get up and running as quickly as possible and begin taking in vessels to help support the employees and families at the shipyard, along with economic contributions and rebounding activity for the island.
“This is a significant sign of positive progress for the island, and we look forward to continuing our normal operations while also supporting the Bahamian recovery with direct support, including to island utilities.”
Founded in 2000, Grand Bahama Shipyard is jointly owned by shareholders Carnival Corp, Royal Caribbean Cruises and Grand Bahama Port Authority.
It typically schedules 85-100 drydocks each year, including more than two dozen major cruise ship drydocks annually.
