Derecktor Ft. Pierce Receives Army Corps Approval, Clearing Significant Hurdle

Plans to convert the nearly 100-year-old Port of Fort Pierce into a full-service repair and refit facility for the global fleet of megayachts are moving ahead at full speed.

After 11 months of review, the engineering and plans for Derecktor Ft. Pierce’s new haul-out basin have been officially approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, paving way for construction to commence once the City of Fort Pierce Building Department gives its final approval.

“Securing a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was no easy feat, especially during a global pandemic, as it required review from several different departments,” Justin Beard, marketing manager for Derecktor Shipyards, said. “The haul-out basin is a critical piece of infrastructure at Derecktor Ft. Pierce and it will allow us to lift vessels up to 250 feet in length with our 1,500-ton mobile boat hoist.”

The haul-out basin measures 220 feet in length and 50 feet wide, comparative in size to one of the two concrete silos located adjacent to the Derecktor facility at the Port of Fort Pierce. Existing upland will be excavated from the concrete pier making way for 288 auger cast piles needed to support the relieving platform surrounding the perimeter of the haul-out basin.

Construction includes the installation of an intricate system of tiebacks, whalers and sheet pile, all of which will support the 1,500-ton lift under a full load of approximately 4.5 million pounds – or roughly the same weight as a fully fueled space shuttle preparing for launch.