Everett Ship Repair (ESR) has confirmed the acquisition of the floating dry dock Hercules, which recently arrived in Washington after being towed from San Diego by Baydelta’s tug Delta Deanna. Measuring 820 feet in length, with an inside beam of 135 feet and a lifting capacity of 35,000 LT, the Hercules is now the largest dry dock in Puget Sound.
The addition enables the shipyard to service some of the largest vessels on the U.S. West Coast, including government and commercial fleets. The Hercules joins ESR’s existing dry docks, the Faithful Servant (7,500 LT) and the Emerald Lifter (1,800 LT).
The dry dock is scheduled to begin operations in October, following recertification of its crane and commissioning of onboard systems. ESR stated that the expansion is expected to generate new employment opportunities for welders, pipefitters, electricians, machinists, and other maritime trades in the region.
Industry observers note that the acquisition strengthens repair and maintenance capacity in the Pacific Northwest at a time when both commercial and naval operators are seeking additional facilities on the West Coast.
