A Norfolk shipyard will be adding over 130 new jobs as it offers more services to the vessels for offshore wind projects, according to a news release.
Lyon Shipyard will hire 134 new employees as part of an $8.5 million expansion investment.
“Lyon Shipyard has been a leader in marine repair and industrial services in Norfolk for nearly a century, and its new investment will allow the company to service vessels integral to Virginia’s growing offshore wind industry,” said Gov. Glenn Youngkin in the news release.
The repair and industrial service business, established in 1928, has customers including the U.S. military and Maritime Administration, commercial fishing companies, ferry and cruise operators, dredging and marine constriction, and more.
“We want to be the change so many other companies just talk about — Lyon Shipyard wants to lead the charge and help transform the socioeconomical landscape for the city of Norfolk and its residents,” said Nikole Dunkley, vice president of human resources at the shipyard.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, city of Norfolk and Hampton Roads Alliance secured the Lyon expansion, which was also sought by Maryland and North Carolina, according to the news release. Job creation will be supported by the Virginia Jobs Investment Program, which helps reduce the costs of employee hiring and training.
“Lyon Shipyard is well-positioned to be a significant contributor to Virginia’s emerging offshore wind energy sector,” said Stephen Edwards, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority, in the release. “The offshore wind industry here will be enhanced with Lyon’s capabilities and expertise to succeed. This company is a great local resource, and this investment is going to help create jobs and drive the development of a new industry.”
The announcement is the latest in local offshore wind developments.
Fairwinds Landing LLC is working on a $500 million redevelopment of a 111-acre terminal at Lamberts Point Docks for an offshore wind, shipbuilding and ship repair hub. Dominion Energy is also looking to obtain easements from Virginia Beach to facilitate the transmission of transmit energy from its offshore wind project.
