2026-04-30 PRESS RELEASE
Photo (left to right): Luke Pitts – Project Manager (Pearlson), Mike Whiddon – Contracts Manager (Pearlson), James Fleming – President (Pearlson), Mason Villarma – Borough Manager (City of Wrangell), Steve Miller – Port Director (City of Wrangell), Amber Al-Haddad – Capital Projects Director (City of Wrangell), Daniel Morrissey – Director (JAG Marine Group). Photo taken at BAE Systems Maritime Solutions Jacksonville Shipyard, located in Jacksonville, Florida.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30, 2026
THE PEARLSON GROUP SELECTED TO SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT OF MAJOR SHIPYARD & WIRE ROPE SHIPLIFT SYSTEM IN WRANGELL, ALASKA
Wrangell, Alaska — The Pearlson Group has been selected by JAG Marine Group and the City and Borough of Wrangell, Alaska, to support the development of a new large-vessel shipyard and Wire Rope Shiplift System at Wrangell’s deep-water port.
The selection underscores the Pearlson Group’s global reputation for delivering large-scale shipyard development projects and its position as the global leader in shiplift drydocking technology. Pearlson’s expertise will play a critical role as the project advances through its next phase of planning and design. The City and Borough of Wrangell and JAG Marine Group recently expanded their public-private partnership to move the project forward.
On January 28, the two parties executed a memorandum of understanding outlining a collaborative framework for the proposed facility. Completion of the Preliminary Design Phase will refine the shipyard layout, engineering concepts, infrastructure requirements, and cost projections—building on the project's strong foundation.
The proposed shipyard is intended to significantly expand Alaska’s capacity for shipbuilding, ship repair, fabrication, and maintenance of large commercial and government vessels. The new state-of the-art facility is also expected to support the growing operational demands of the U.S. Coast Guard as its presence in Arctic and Pacific regions continues to increase.
“This is about Alaska stepping into its role as a maritime powerhouse,” said Mason Villarma, Borough Manager for the City and Borough of Wrangell. “By advancing the design and feasibility, we are demonstrating to our state and federal partners that this project is real, actionable, and aligned with both economic development and national security priorities. Wrangell is ready.”
Villarma added, “The selection of the Pearlson Group reflects our commitment to working with best-in class partners. Their unmatched experience in shipyard development and proven leadership in shiplift technology gives us strong confidence that this project will be designed to meet the highest standards and positioned for long-term success.”
JAG Marine Group, which operates both the Seward and Ketchikan Shipyards, emphasized the strategic importance of the Wrangell facility in strengthening Southeast Alaska’s maritime infrastructure.
James Fleming, President of Pearlson & Pearlson, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership and the opportunity to support the project’s long-term success.
“We are honored to be selected by JAG Marine Group and the City and Borough of Wrangell for this transformative project,” said Fleming. “Our team is excited to bring our experience in shipyard development and shiplift technology to help deliver this world-class facility. We look forward to working closely with our partners to support Alaska’s growing maritime industry, strengthen critical infrastructure, and help position Wrangell as a key hub for large-vessel service and support.”
Project proponents highlight that the new shipyard will enhance in-state capabilities for large-vessel construction and repair, support Arctic operations, expand industrial fabrication capacity, and create long-term maritime and skilled trade employment opportunities across Southeast Alaska.
Community engagement and coordination with state and federal stakeholders will continue as the design and feasibility phase progresses.
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