Ingalls idea spurs Va. shipyard

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. – Newport News (Va.) shipbuilding plans to turn a failed economic development project into something that could pay off in future dividends. In July 2009, the shipyard broke ground on a 300,000-square-foot nuclear component manufacturing facility – in a joint venture with the French company Areva – to create 540 jobs and result in a $363 million capital investment. But the project fizzled in 2012. Now, the shipyard is looking to ramp up production of its second Ford-class aircraft carrier – with pressure to reduce costs – to fill those empty spaces. In a matter of weeks, the Navy could award a detailed design and construction contract to the shipyard's parent, Huntington Ingalls Industries, for the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy. If it happens, the shipyard plans to transform those old spaces into a building to increase efficiency – including heavy indoor manufacturing that can be protected from the weather. (Source: Newport News (Va.) Daily Press 04/14/15) Gulf Coast Shipbuilding Note: The Virginia shipyard has taken cues from its sister-facility at Ingalls Shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss., which uses mobile shelters to shield work from the weather. Newport News plans to employ fabric shelters that resemble Quonset huts that can be moved as needed.