General Dynamic Electric Boat to invest US$852 million in Groton Shipyard expansion

General Dynamics Electric Boat (EB) is spending almost half of its $1.7 billion multi-year capital expenditure plan on upgrading its Groton, Connecticut manufacturing facility for the new Columbia-class nuclear powered ballistic missile submarine.

In partnership with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, EB officials have committed to making US$852 million of capital investments.

New machinery is being purchased and the company plans to build a third dry dock and manufacturing superstructure to house construction of the new submarine.

The state plans to spend $20 million on dredging the Thames River in Groton to accommodate the new dry dock.

EB was awarded a 14-year, US$5.1 billion contract in September to perform design and development work for the next-generation submarine before construction begins in the northern autumn of 2020.

It was also awarded a US$126.1 million contract modification last month to continue development of the common missile compartment for the submarine.

The US Navy plans to buy 12 Columbia-class subs to replace the ageing Ohio-class nuclear ballistic missile submarines.