Read Kitsap Sun story be Peiyu Lin:  Prep work to modernize PSNS already worth $447M, with final project estimates unknown

Navy Shares Progress on PSNS Dry Dock Plans at Kitsap Summit

At the August 21 Kitsap Industrial Readiness Summit, hosted by the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance in Bremerton, Navy officials provided an update on long-term shipyard modernization efforts at Naval Base Kitsap and answered questions from community members and local business leaders. (See event slide decks)

Where Things Stand

David Sweet, director of the Navy’s Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP) at PSNS & IMF, said design work for the new multi-mission dry dock is nearly 80% complete. However, construction timelines remain uncertain. Progress depends on the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review, federal permitting, and other administrative processes.

The public is currently invited to comment on the Navy’s environmental assessment, and a final decision on where the new dry dock will be built is expected in summer or fall of 2026. According to Navy project leaders, site preparation could begin in 2027, with actual dry dock construction following closer to 2030.

Permitting and Costs

Captain Preston Taylor, commanding officer of NAVFAC Northwest, emphasized that federal permits for in-water work will play a big role in determining the project schedule. Navy officials also declined to estimate the total cost of the new dry dock, noting that full figures won’t be released until the program clears major acquisition milestones and receives approval from Congress.

Progress Already Underway

While the big project is still in the planning stage, millions have already been invested in preparatory work. As of August 2025, SIOP has completed eight projects worth $122 million at PSNS, along with $325 million in seismic upgrades at Dry Docks 4 and 5 and the Trident Refit Facility Bangor.

Completed improvements include:

• Stabilizing soil and repairing tunnels at Dry Dock 6
• Modernizing electrical and mechanical systems at Dry Dock 4 and Pier 3
• Repairing rail lines and culverts critical to shipyard operations
• Cleaning up asbestos in the Farragut Tunnel
• Replacing aging saltwater system piping and fittings
• Upgrading machine shop electrical systems
• What’s Next

Although the new dry dock is still years away, these early investments highlight the Navy’s commitment to preparing PSNS for the future. As Sweet noted, “It would be premature to estimate when the design process will be completed… but more information will be available with the release of the Final EIS.”

For now, Kitsap businesses and residents will continue to have opportunities to engage in the process, weigh in on environmental review, and prepare for the economic opportunities tied to the Navy’s once-in-a-century shipyard modernization.

Visit KEDA's SIOP Business Hub to learn more