Barge Dismantling Project Begins In Mobile

In preparation for a three-year, $129-million dismantling project, APTIM Federal Services moved a massive surface ship support barge (SSSB) to the Alabama Shipyard at the Port of Mobile this week, according to Business Alabama. Built from a converted U.S. Navy tanker to support nuclear-powered Navy craft, the SSSB was decommissioned in 2020 and spent 13 days traveling from Virginia to Mobile. APTIM anticipates a significant financial benefit to Mobile, with plans to hire and train local workers for “hundreds of jobs,” reported NBC 15; use local materials, trucks and hotels; and maximize use of the shipyard, port and rail services. The majority of waste from the project will go to a Waste Control Specialists facility in Andrews, Texas. Because nuclear equipment is involved, the APTIM team anticipates onsite oversight by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.