Newport News ship-repair expansion carries a $180 million investment plan

Newport News is in line for a substantial expansion of its maritime workforce. S23 Holdings plans to invest $180 million at its River Port facility and create 414 jobs, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership announced September 22.

The project includes a new shiplift and approximately 48,000 square feet of production space. S23 affiliate East Coast Repair & Fabrication will operate the lift, with the expanded complex intended to handle larger repair and manufacturing work for Navy and commercial customers.

Training is part of the project

The announcement also describes a stronger partnership with the nonprofit Hampton Roads Maritime Training Academy. State support includes two separate $2 million grants, one of them performance-based, plus recruitment and training assistance.

These are announced investment and hiring plans, rather than a count of positions already filled. For residents considering maritime careers, the training component is a development to follow alongside construction and recruitment.

Read the state's project announcement and explore our business coverage.