Aerial view of the Port of Fort Pierce, now home to Derecktor Ft. Pierce.
FORT PIERCE, FL – Big things are on the way for the Port of Fort Pierce.
Following commencement of yard operations in November, Derecktor Ft. Pierce (DFP) has finalized an order with Cimolai Technology for the world’s largest mobile boat hoist (MBH). The massive 1,500-ton mobile boat hoist is expected to arrive from Italy by fall 2020 and put into service shortly afterwards.
Vessel hauling will be accomplished through the 1,500 MBH and planned drydocks, giving DFP tremendous flexibility in the range of yachts it can handle. The MBH, with its unrivalled capacity, combined with the physical advantages of the site, will make DFP the one U.S. shipyard fully capable of handling the international mega sail fleet. Drydocks, the first of which could possibly go into operation before the MBH, are projected to be able to accommodate vessels up to 5,000 tons, meaning all but a handful of the world’s largest yachts can be serviced.
DFP’s site attributes that the MBH will allow to be fully utilized include direct deep-water access from the Atlantic Ocean through Fort Pierce Inlet, no overhead obstructions and a maintained depth of 28 ft. (8 meters) through the channel and Turning Basin. DFP itself features a concrete apron of more than 8 acres, providing ample work and storage area, as well as more than 1,000 linear feet of deep-water dockage.
“The 1,500 MBH is an impressive machine in terms of size and capability. At 85 feet in height, it will be nearly as tall as the South Causeway and will give us the ability to haul vessels up to 250 feet in length, depending on displacement,” Justin Beard, marketing manager at Derecktor Ft. Pierce said. “This is a major step forward for Derecktor and for the project. Knowing the MBH will be here gives everyone – employees, customers and the residents of St. Lucie County something definite to look forward to. It’s big news in every sense of the word.”
Founded in 1947, Derecktor Shipyards has since become a worldwide leader for excellence in the construction, repair and refit of yachts, commercial and military vessels. Today, four Derecktor facilities span the East coast of the U.S. from Maine to South Florida, offering vessel owners and operators everything from marina space to megayacht construction. For more information about Derecktor Shipyards, visit www.derecktor.com, email info@derecktor.com or call 772-595-9326.
General drawing of the 1,500-ton mobile boat hoist being built by Cimolai Technology for Derecktor Ft. Pierce.
