EB Hull Fabrication Facility Now Online

Governor Raimondo and the state’s congressional delegation joined representatives from General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB) to celebrate the opening of the new OR-AFC Hull Fabrication Facility at GDEB’s Quonset Point, RI location. Submarine hull manufacturing operations at the Quonset Point, RI shipyard have expanded with the completion of its new 150,000-square foot open-bay fabrication facility. A/Z managed the ground-up construction of this $40+ million production building, which has a clearance height of more than 90 feet.

The OR-AFC Hull Fabrication was outfitted 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 construct the hulls for the next generation of ballistic missile nuclear submarines.

The facility is divided into two distinct open-bay areas to support crane movement and operation. The main section features 60-ton and 35-ton bridge cranes, and he second contains one 35-ton crane with the capacity for a second to be added. Industrial-grade utility systems have been 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 was integrated into the facility.

The project was coordinated within the operational requirements of the busy shipyard. Along with the multi-cell Blast & Paint (Coatings) Facility that A/Z completed, Electric Boat will now enjoy greatly increased production capacity and efficiency.