The Charleston Shipyard Revitalization Project is focused on restoring a critical piece of Oregon’s working waterfront and the only public shipyard on the South Coast. This FAQ provides an overview of the challenges facing the shipyard, the phased plan to address them, and why it matters to the region’s fishing industry and local economy.

What is the main issue at the shipyard today?

A key piece of infrastructure—the marine ways system used to haul vessels out of the water—has reached the end of its useful life after more than 40 years of service. As a result, the shipyard’s capacity has been significantly reduced, limiting the size and number of vessels it can serve.

How has this impacted the community?

As the marine ways system has deteriorated, shipyard activity has declined. Employment within the shipyard has dropped by more than 65%, and vessel owners are increasingly forced to seek repairs outside the region. This affects not only shipyard businesses, but also the broader local economy that supports the fishing fleet.

What is the Charleston Shipyard Revitalization Project?

The project is a coordinated, multi-phase effort to restore the shipyard’s core infrastructure and return it to full functionality. It focuses on upgrading critical components like the marine ways and work docks to support vessel repair, maintenance, and maritime operations.

Why is the project being completed in phases?

The shipyard includes multiple infrastructure components, each with different costs, timelines, and funding opportunities. A phased approach allows the Port to advance priority improvements as funding becomes available, while aligning each project with the most appropriate state or federal funding source.

What is included in Phase 1?

Phase 1 focuses on replacing the marine ways system. This will restore the shipyard’s ability to safely and efficiently haul vessels out of the water for repair, maintenance, and upgrades. The new system is expected to provide more than 40 years of reliable service.

What is included in Phase 2?

Phase 2 focuses on rehabilitating the shipyard’s work docks, which are heavily used for day-to-day operations such as vessel servicing, gear changes, and maintenance activities that support the commercial fishing fleet and recreational and charter boaters. The work they do here saves them money from hiring out repairs.

How is the project being funded?

The Port is pursuing a coordinated funding strategy that includes both federal and state sources. Phase 1 has received $1 million in federal congressional funding and is seeking additional support through the State of Oregon’s Connect Oregon program. Phase 2 is being advanced through future federal funding requests.

Why not fund the entire project at once?

Large infrastructure projects are often completed in phases to align with available funding programs and to move critical improvements forward as efficiently as possible. This approach allows the Port to begin restoring functionality now while continuing to pursue additional funding for future phases.

Is this project related to the Pacific Coast Intermodal Port (PCIP)?

No. The Charleston Shipyard Revitalization Project is a separate effort focused on maintaining and improving existing maritime infrastructure in Charleston.

Funding for the PCIP project is restricted to that specific project and cannot be redirected to other uses. There is a clear separation between PCIP funding and funding used for Port operations or other capital improvements, including the Charleston Shipyard.

When would construction take place?

Work in the water is required for portions of the project and must occur within established environmental windows, typically between October 1 and February 1. The Port will coordinate construction timing based on permitting and funding availability.

Will environmental permits be required?

Yes. The Port will obtain all necessary permits before construction begins and will conduct work in accordance with state and federal environmental regulations.