Patti Marine, a staple in the marine industry for 45 years, has begun construction on an 800-ton dry dock thanks to a matching $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation ‘s Maritime Administration or MARAD. A dry dock is a boat repair platform that can be flooded to allow a ship to float in and be supported by blocks — the water is then pumped out so the vessel can be serviced or repaired.
Located on Bayou Chico in Pensacola, Florida, Patti Marine is known globally as a premier shipbuilder. But in Pensacola it’s a hidden gem — a family-owned operation quietly building fishing vessels, tug boats and passenger vessels destined for seas, oceans, rivers and bays all over the world. More than 40 employees work at this shipyard that has built more vessels for the Army Corps of Engineers than any other builder within a 20 year span. And some of those employees have been with the company for more than 40 years.
Frank Patti Jr. said that the matching grant will allow Patti Marine to expand their operations and offer more ship building and repair services.
“This expansion could help Patti Marine double in size in the next 5 years,” said Patti. “That means more work and more jobs right here in Pensacola.”
Currently, Patti Marine relies on a 1200-ton rail system they created for launching vessels they’ve built, but their ability to repair and refurbish existing vessels has been limited.
“This will be a game changer for Patti Marine,” said Patti. “From ocean-going fishing vessels to passenger ferries, Patti has built them all — now we’ll be able to service them all as well.”
Patti, whose family also owns Joe Patti’s Seafood, plans to complete the dry dock construction within the next 4-5 months.
