Electric Boat’s New Hull Fabrication Facility Underway

Submarine hull manufacturing operations at Electric Boat’s Quonset Point, RI shipyard are expanding with the development of a new 150,000-square foot open-bay fabrication facility. A/Z is managing the ground up construction of this $40+ million production building, which will have a clearance height of more than 90 feet.

The OR-AFC Hull Fabrication will be fit-out with six independent and highly specialized fabrication fixtures, which are used to lift and manipulate hull sections a full 360°. This functionality allows technicians and automated fabrication systems to reach every side and angle.

The facility will be divided into two distinct open bay areas to support crane movement and operation. The main section will feature 60-ton and 35-ton bridge cranes. The second will feature one 35-ton crane with the capacity for a second to be added. Industrial-grade utility systems will be integrated into the facility, including gas services (natural gas, argon, propane, oxygen, carbon dioxide, etc.), compressed air, domestic water, sanitary water, fire protection, and water systems. Additionally, a new 35 kV electrical service will be integrated into the facility.

The project is being coordinated within the operational requirements of the busy shipyard. Along with the multi-cell Blast & Paint Facility that A/Z recently completed, Electric Boat will enjoy greatly increased production capacity and efficiency following the completion of the OR-AFC Facility Project.