Grand Bahama Shipyard Takes Delivery of Lucayan Floating Drydock
As cruise ships keep getting larger, dedicated repair capacity is becoming a bottleneck. The Bahamas is positioning Freeport as a key service hub backed by the biggest cruise brands.
Grand Bahama Shipyard’s two-dock expansion program reached a major milestone on Feb. 6, 2026, with the formal delivery of the new Lucayan floating drydock in Qingdao, China. The dock, built by CSSC Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding, is slated to join the yard in Freeport later in 2026 as Grand Bahama Shipyard increases its capacity for modern cruise ship repair and retrofit work.
Dual-dock program pairs a new delivery with an already-working dock
Lucayan is the second drydock in a “dual-dock” plan that also includes East End, a 93,500-ton lifting-capacity floating dock that has already entered service in Freeport. East End arrived in the Bahamas in late 2025 and completed its first operation in January 2026, when it lifted Carnival Elation for a scheduled yard period.
Both docks are part of a $600 million upgrade program aimed at expanding the facility’s ability to handle cruise ship repairs and refurbishments at larger scale. The shipyard is operated as a joint venture with ownership interests that include Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group, and MSC Cruises.
East End begins commercial operations with Carnival Elation
East End measures 357 meters long and 70 meters wide, and the shipyard has positioned it as new capacity for cruise ship docking and modification work. Grand Bahama Shipyard CEO Chris Earl said the arrival of the dock “greatly enhances cruise docking and retrofit capability” while expanding overall docking capacity, calling the broader project “a huge opportunity to create a world-class ship repair ecosystem here in the Bahamas.”
To prepare for East End’s arrival and operation, the shipyard completed infrastructure work that included extending an existing pier.
First operation: a planned maintenance period for a 1998-built ship
Carnival Elation, built in 1998, entered the yard as part of a planned maintenance period that includes technical and statutory work. The ship was scheduled to spend about three weeks at the facility before returning to service on Feb. 9, 2026.
After the yard period, the ship is set to resume cruising from Jacksonville, with a near-term schedule that includes a seven-night Eastern Caribbean sailing calling at Grand Turk, Princess Cays, and Celebration Key, followed by a return to four- and five-night Bahamas itineraries in mid-February.
Carnival Corporation highlighted the milestone in a social media post, writing: “A huge team effort came to life over the weekend as East End, our new floating drydock at Grand Bahama Shipyard, completed its first operation with the successful docking of the Carnival Elation.”
Lucayan: larger dimensions and a technology-focused design
The larger Lucayan drydock was delivered during a ceremony on Feb. 6 in Qingdao. The project was undertaken by CSSC Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding and China Shipbuilding Industry Trade Co., Ltd., and the drydock is certified by Lloyd’s Register.
Lucayan measures 413.96 meters in length and 85.11 meters in width, placing it among the world’s largest floating docks by lifting capability. The dock is designed to accommodate the maintenance and repair needs of today’s largest cruise ships, including ultra-large vessels such as Icon-class ships.
- Automated dock control: The system is intended to streamline docking processes and support more precise operations during submersion and lifting.
- Intelligent ballast system: The ballast configuration is designed for controlled submersion and lifting, supporting efficiency and safety during docking operations.
- Digital twin technology: The dock incorporates digital monitoring intended to improve operational oversight and accuracy during ship repair and maintenance work.
Redevelopment goals and local impact
With East End operating and Lucayan delivered and bound for the Bahamas, the shipyard’s expansion plan is moving into its next stage: integrating the larger dock while continuing facility upgrades. Grand Bahama Shipyard has also framed the build-out as an economic catalyst, pointing to job creation and supply chain development tied to increased repair and retrofit throughput.
As preparations continue for Lucayan’s transport and commissioning later in 2026, the shipyard’s near-term focus remains on executing scheduled projects, including completing Carnival Elation’s yard period ahead of its return to service on Feb. 9.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the specifications of the Lucayan floating drydock?
Lucayan measures 413.96 meters long and 85.11 meters wide, and it is certified by Lloyd’s Register. It was built by CSSC Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding and delivered during a Feb. 6, 2026 ceremony in Qingdao.
What is the East End drydock at Grand Bahama Shipyard?
East End is a floating drydock in Freeport designed to lift ships up to 93,500 tons. The structure measures 357 meters in length and 70 meters in width, and it is equipped with four cranes and modern control systems intended to support docking, repair, and modification work.
Which ship was first to use the East End drydock?
Carnival Elation was the first cruise ship lifted on East End, completing the dock’s first operation at the Freeport facility during a planned maintenance period.
When is Lucayan expected to be ready for work in the Bahamas?
Lucayan was delivered in China on Feb. 6, 2026, and is expected to be transported to the Bahamas and prepared for cruise ship work later in 2026.
Who operates Grand Bahama Shipyard, and what is the broader upgrade program?
The shipyard is operated as a joint venture with ownership interests that include Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group, and MSC Cruises. The facility is in the midst of a $600 million upgrade program that includes the dual-dock plan bringing East End and Lucayan into service.
