Time to transform one of South Carolina’s oldest cities with a modern shipyard | Opinion

Georgetown, the third-oldest city in the state and an official port of entry for nearly three centuries, is a community known throughout South Carolina for its innovation and hard work, as well as its historic port and industrial legacy. While some of its older industries have diminished, the resilience and determination of its people remain steadfast. It’s time to harness that spirit to develop a modern shipyard equipped to meet current and future demands.

The recent closure of the International Paper Mill and the idling of the Liberty Steel Mill present an opportunity for the region, and government and business leaders should prioritize establishing a mid-sized shipyard in Georgetown. There is a potential to redefine the future for the community and the state with the area’s rich industrial heritage, skilled workforce and strategic location.

The nation faces an increasing need for ships. The Navy is expanding its fleet while demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) container ships continues to rise amid global efforts toward more efficient energy. Georgetown is uniquely positioned to address these needs. A shipyard here wouldn’t just fulfill national and international demand. It would also invigorate the local economy by generating stable, high-paying jobs and attracting long-term investments.

Both the Navy and Marine Corps have a pressing need for advanced amphibious warships. A 2024 report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office found that half of a fleet of 31 operational ships was in poor condition. Georgetown could lead the construction of new amphibious assault ships. The potential exists to develop a new class of warships christened the South Carolina- or Georgetown-class combat vessel. These ships would be integral in transporting Marines to foreign shores, ensuring the nation is prepared for global crises. For years into the future, Marines trained at Parris Island could deploy aboard ships proudly built in Georgetown, bearing the name of South Carolina, while safeguarding national interests abroad.

Georgetown has the potential to be a flourishing shipyard, but it comes with challenges. The area’s soil, with its unsteady foundations, erosion and drainage issues, is less than ideal. These soil conditions could frustrate large building projects and require subsequent investments. However, diligent planning and investments in engineering solutions would help overcome these hurdles, ensuring the long-term viability of the shipyard and securing its economic benefits.

Another challenge lies with the channel in Winyah Bay. Currently, the channel depth is insufficient to support medium-sized vessels like the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, which usually requires a draft of 23 feet. Additionally, mid-scale LNG carriers require a draft of about 28 feet. While certain parts of the channel have depths in the mid-20s, the average falls short of these requirements.

Efforts to dredge sections of the bay are already in process, but a more dedicated and robust investment would sustain a channel for the mid-sized ships the proposed shipyard would construct. Without these upgrades, the shipyard’s full potential cannot be realized.

The infrastructure needed to support shipyard construction and subsequent shipbuilding may also require significant work. Georgetown’s largely unused port, rail lines and four-lane roads offer a foundation, but much of this infrastructure dates back to support the area’s legacy steel mill. Modernizing these routes and hubs would be vital for the project’s future success.

On the plus side, though, these investments would largely flow back into the state, which in turn would bring additional economic benefits.

Building a shipyard in Georgetown would represent far more than the creation of vessels. It would symbolize an investment in the town’s people and its untapped potential. By blending the region’s industrial legacy with forward-thinking innovation, Georgetown has the opportunity to redefine itself as a center for maritime excellence. With determination, collaboration and commitment, this vision can transform Georgetown into a thriving hub for future generations.