Bath Iron Works, Maine’s largest private employer, has been awarded a $2.3 billion contract to build three additional Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers for the U.S. Navy, a deal that will sustain the shipyard’s workforce and add an estimated 1,500 new jobs over the next several years.
The contract, announced by the Department of Defense on Tuesday, extends BIW’s role as one of only two shipyards in the nation capable of building the Navy’s primary surface combat vessel. The Bath-based shipyard has been building warships for the U.S. Navy since 1884.
“This contract is a testament to the skill and dedication of the men and women who build ships at Bath Iron Works,” said BIW president Chuck Krugh. “It provides stability for our workforce and our community for years to come.”
The new jobs will span a range of trades and disciplines, including welders, pipefitters, electricians, engineers, and project managers. BIW has launched an aggressive hiring campaign and is partnering with Maine’s community colleges and vocational training programs to develop a pipeline of skilled workers.
“We need people who want to build something meaningful with their hands and their minds,” said Krugh. “These are well-paying careers with excellent benefits in one of the most storied shipyards in American history.”
The contract is welcome news for the Midcoast Maine region, where BIW’s economic impact extends far beyond the shipyard’s gates. The company’s 6,800 current employees and hundreds of subcontractors support businesses throughout the region, from housing to restaurants to retail.
“When BIW is doing well, the whole Midcoast is doing well,” said Sagadahoc County economic development director Amy Jamison. “This contract sends a message of confidence that resonates through every community in the region.”
U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, who both advocated for the contract, praised the announcement. “Bath Iron Works builds the world’s finest warships, and this contract ensures that work continues,” Collins said.
The first of the three new destroyers is expected to begin construction in 2027, with deliveries extending into the early 2030s.
