Eastern Shipbuilding Group (Panama City, FL)

Address: 2200 Nelson St, Panama City, FL 32401
Phone: (850) 763-1900
Website: https://www.easternshipbuilding.com/

Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) is a major U.S. shipbuilder operating three large facilities on Florida’s Gulf Coast: Nelson Street, Allanton, and Port St. Joe. As one of the nation’s most productive commercial and government shipyards, ESG has delivered more than 350 vessels, including OSVs, tugs, barges, ferries, fishing vessels, and advanced government craft.

ESG continues to expand its capabilities through major infrastructure upgrades, enabling full-scale modular construction, steel and aluminum fabrication, outfitting, conversion work, and delivery of large vessels under multiple class and government standards.

For readers exploring more builders across the country, our U.S. shipyards directory offers verified listings organized by state and region.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Nelson Street Shipyard (Panama City)

24-acre waterfront site with over 2,000 ft of water frontage
Multiple marine railways and launch systems
Heavy-lift crawler cranes (45–400 tons)
Fabrication buildings and outfitting halls
Prime location on St. Andrew’s Bay for sea access

Allanton Shipyard

Side-launch ways supporting vessels over 400 ft
Steel processing lines, CNC cutting, rolling & bending
Modular block fabrication and assembly bays
Cranes rated up to 660 tons
Dedicated blasting and coating facilities

Port St. Joe Facility

Deepwater bulkhead access
Outfitting berths and launch areas
Ideal for sea trials and completion work

Core Shipyard Capabilities

Construction work is routinely performed to major classification standards, including those established by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), ensuring compliance with recognized engineering and safety requirements.

Construction & Fabrication

Steel and aluminum hull construction
Modular block assembly
Custom fabrication for commercial and government fleets
Systems integration: electrical, mechanical, piping, and electronics

Refit & Repair

Hull repair, structural reinforcement, and steel renewal
Propulsion and machinery overhaul
Coatings, blasting, and corrosion control
Conversion and modernization projects

Vessel Types Built or Serviced

Offshore supply vessels (OSVs)
Tugboats and pushboats
Workboats and utility craft
Passenger and vehicle ferries
Government and military craft
Fishing and research vessels

Recent Infrastructure Upgrades

Eastern Shipbuilding Group has recently completed major upgrades to support the growing demand from defense and government contracts, including:

Extended launch ways to support vessels 500+ ft LOA
Enhanced dredging and turning basins
Reinforced mooring and storm-resistant infrastructure
Expanded fabrication halls for large modular blocks

These upgrades strengthen ESG’s capability to deliver high-complexity, large-displacement vessels for the U.S. government and commercial operators.

Recent Projects & Contracts

U.S. Navy Structural Unit Contract (2025): ESG was selected to produce outfitted structural modules for Flight III Arleigh Burke–class destroyers — a milestone also highlighted by WorkBoat industry news.
Offshore Patrol Cutter Program Support: ESG continues improvements to meet federal shipbuilding requirements, including expanded steel production capacity and enhanced testing facilities.
Commercial Multi-Vessel Deliveries: Ongoing construction of tugs, OSVs, and specialty vessels for U.S. fleet operators.

Why Choose Eastern Shipbuilding Group?

Proven experience across more than 350 delivered vessels
Large-scale, multi-yard infrastructure with heavy-lift capability
Full in-house fabrication, engineering, and outfitting
Compliant with major class societies and U.S. government standards, including requirements set by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
Strong track record in commercial, offshore, and government shipbuilding