The "Big Six" shipyards in the United States refer to the six major facilities capable of building large naval vessels, all owned by two primary defense contractors and critical to the U.S. Navy's shipbuilding program. They are:
Newport News Shipbuilding (Newport News, VA) – Owned by Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII). Specializes in nuclear-powered aircraft carriers (e.g., Nimitz and Ford classes) and submarines.
Ingalls Shipbuilding (Pascagoula, MS) – Owned by HII. Focuses on amphibious assault ships, destroyers (Arleigh Burke class), and cruisers for the Navy.
Bath Iron Works (Bath, ME) – Owned by General Dynamics. Builds advanced destroyers and surface combatants; known for high-quality steel fabrication.
Electric Boat (Groton, CT; Quonset Point, RI) – Owned by General Dynamics. Leads in nuclear submarine construction, including Virginia and Columbia classes, often partnering with Newport News.
NASSCO (San Diego, CA) – Owned by General Dynamics. Primarily commercial (tankers, cargo ships) but supports Navy auxiliary vessels like fleet oilers.
Austal USA (Mobile, AL) – Independently owned (subsidiary of Australia's Austal). Specializes in high-speed aluminum ships, including littoral combat ships and expeditionary fast transports.
These yards handle about 90% of U.S. naval ship construction. For more details, see marineinsight.com on major U.S. shipyards.
Florida's shipbuilding industry remains active, focusing on military, commercial, and repair work, supported by major ports and naval needs. Key players and locations:
Huntington Ingalls Industries (Mayport, Jacksonville): Builds and repairs Navy vessels, including amphibious ships. Part of the "Big Six" yards; employs ~2,000.
Eastern Shipbuilding Group (Panama City): Specializes in commercial tugs, ferries, and Coast Guard cutters (e.g., Offshore Patrol Cutters program, delayed by 2022 hurricane but resuming).
Gulf Marine Repair (Tampa): Major for dry-docking, repairs, and conversions of commercial ships at Port Tampa Bay. Tampa's industry is thriving, with $1.2B in annual maritime economic impact; still a hub for superyacht refits and cargo vessels.
Other Tampa-area firms: JBF Marine (Tampa) for steel fabrication; Tampa Ship Repair for maintenance. Industry persists despite older yards like Tampa Shipbuilding (closed 1980s).
Miami: Limited large-scale building; focuses on yacht refits and small craft at PortMiami. Companies like Roscioli Yachting (Miami) handle custom luxury vessels, but not industrial-scale. Miami's role is more in maritime trade (~$43B annually) than production.
Overall, Florida's sector employs ~20,000, driven by Navy contracts and cruise/shipping. Tampa active; Miami marginal for building.
Top luxury yacht builders in the United States, based on size, production capacity, and reputation in 2025:
Viking Yachts (New Gretna, Bass Harbor, ME): Largest by output, building 150-250 ft superyachts. Annual production ~100 vessels; focuses on sportfishing and motor yachts up to $20M+.
Westport Yachts (Westport, WA): Premier for custom composite superyachts (100-164 ft). Owned by Westport Group; delivers 8-10 per year, with builds exceeding $50M. Known for efficient, seaworthy designs.
Burger Boat Company (Manitowoc, WI): Builds bespoke luxury yachts (80-150 ft) since 1863. Specializes in aluminum and steel hulls; 2-4 yachts annually, prices from $10M to $40M.
Christensen Shipyards (Vancouver, WA): High-end custom superyachts (100-160 ft) with advanced composites. Acquired by忌 Palmer Johnson in 2022; focuses on explorer-style vessels up to $60M.
Delta Marine (Seattle, WA): Experts in massive custom yachts (up to 300+ ft), including expedition models. Builds 1-3 per year; renowned for innovative designs like the 328-ft 'Albatross'.
These firms dominate U.S. luxury yacht market, with Viking leading in volume. For current projects, check yachting-pages.com or manufacturer sites.
Yes, Florida hosts a vibrant luxury yacht building scene, especially in areas like Fort Lauderdale (the "Yachting Capital of the World") and Miami, with several top-tier custom builders operating there.
Key ones include:
Willis Custom Yachts (Fort Lauderdale, FL): Specializes in custom sportfishing yachts (50-100+ ft), blending high-end finishes with performance. Founded in 1983 by Mark Willis; acquired American Custom Yachts in 2022 for expanded capabilities.
Burger Boat Company (Fort Lauderdale, FL; headquarters in Manitowoc, WI): Builds semi-custom luxury motor yachts (60-170 ft) with steel/aluminum hulls, emphasizing explorer-style vessels up to $50M+.
Derecktor Shipyards (Mamaroneck, NY; major facility in Fort Lauderdale, FL): Focuses on custom superyacht refits and new builds (100-300 ft), including steel-hulled tri-deck yachts for global clients.
Delta Marine (Seattle, WA; operations in Fort Lauderdale, FL): Known for massive custom megayachts (150-300 ft), with Florida yards handling repairs and builds exceeding $100M.
Hinckley Yachts (Trenton, ME; service center in Stuart, FL): Builds upscale downeast yachts (30-50 ft) with modern composites, popular for luxury day boats.
Florida's industry thrives due to tax incentives, skilled labor, and proximity to marinas, producing dozens of custom yachts annually.
The "Big Six" shipyards in the United States refer to the six major facilities capable of building large naval vessels, all owned by two primary defense contractors and critical to the U.S. Navy's shipbuilding program. They are:
Newport News Shipbuilding (Newport News, VA) – Owned by Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII). Specializes in nuclear-powered aircraft carriers (e.g., Nimitz and Ford classes) and submarines.
Ingalls Shipbuilding (Pascagoula, MS) – Owned by HII. Focuses on amphibious assault ships, destroyers (Arleigh Burke class), and cruisers for the Navy.
Bath Iron Works (Bath, ME) – Owned by General Dynamics. Builds advanced destroyers and surface combatants; known for high-quality steel fabrication.
Electric Boat (Groton, CT; Quonset Point, RI) – Owned by General Dynamics. Leads in nuclear submarine construction, including Virginia and Columbia classes, often partnering with Newport News.
NASSCO (San Diego, CA) – Owned by General Dynamics. Primarily commercial (tankers, cargo ships) but supports Navy auxiliary vessels like fleet oilers.
Austal USA (Mobile, AL) – Independently owned (subsidiary of Australia's Austal). Specializes in high-speed aluminum ships, including littoral combat ships and expeditionary fast transports.
These yards handle about 90% of U.S. naval ship construction. For more details, see marineinsight.com on major U.S. shipyards.
What shipbuilding takes place in the state of Florida? Is the industry still in Tampa or Miami?
Florida's shipbuilding industry remains active, focusing on military, commercial, and repair work, supported by major ports and naval needs. Key players and locations:
Overall, Florida's sector employs ~20,000, driven by Navy contracts and cruise/shipping. Tampa active; Miami marginal for building.
What are the largest luxury yacht builders in the United States?
Top luxury yacht builders in the United States, based on size, production capacity, and reputation in 2025:
Viking Yachts (New Gretna, Bass Harbor, ME): Largest by output, building 150-250 ft superyachts. Annual production ~100 vessels; focuses on sportfishing and motor yachts up to $20M+.
Westport Yachts (Westport, WA): Premier for custom composite superyachts (100-164 ft). Owned by Westport Group; delivers 8-10 per year, with builds exceeding $50M. Known for efficient, seaworthy designs.
Burger Boat Company (Manitowoc, WI): Builds bespoke luxury yachts (80-150 ft) since 1863. Specializes in aluminum and steel hulls; 2-4 yachts annually, prices from $10M to $40M.
Christensen Shipyards (Vancouver, WA): High-end custom superyachts (100-160 ft) with advanced composites. Acquired by忌 Palmer Johnson in 2022; focuses on explorer-style vessels up to $60M.
Delta Marine (Seattle, WA): Experts in massive custom yachts (up to 300+ ft), including expedition models. Builds 1-3 per year; renowned for innovative designs like the 328-ft 'Albatross'.
These firms dominate U.S. luxury yacht market, with Viking leading in volume. For current projects, check yachting-pages.com or manufacturer sites.
Are there any luxury yacht builders located in the state of Florida?
Yes, Florida hosts a vibrant luxury yacht building scene, especially in areas like Fort Lauderdale (the "Yachting Capital of the World") and Miami, with several top-tier custom builders operating there.
Key ones include:
Florida's industry thrives due to tax incentives, skilled labor, and proximity to marinas, producing dozens of custom yachts annually.