Erie is a strategically positioned,
multi-modal Great Lakes waterfront.
Our Vision
Gem City Shipbuilding (GCS) represents a forward-thinking, strategic initiative to re-establish Americal s shipbuilding capacity at a critical moment in global history. Located on the historic and strategically valuable Erie Coke property, GCS seeks to leverage a public-private partnership model to create a shipyard capable of constructing vessels for the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, with potential for allied nation support.
By reviving the region's legacy of naval shipbuilding, GCS will not only contribute to national security but also reinvigorate the economy of Erie and the surrounding Great Lakes region.
Why Erie?
There is significant focus on addressing the shortage of shipbuilding capacity in the US. This is evident by both the Biden and Trump administration’s desire to increase US Navy size by 100 vessels or more. While there is investment into existing shipyards, industrial capacity remains constrained. With the Navy needing additional capacity, Erie presents a solution with multiple advantages:
Property available for construction of brand-new shipyard to be custom built for needs of emerging ship technology (Erie Coke)
Could serve as a central integration hub connecting Midwest naval facilities (such as Crane, Indiana, and Naval Station Great Lakes) with East Coast centers
Could function as a testing site for unmanned and autonomous vessels
Close proximity to major logistics hubs (Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Cleveland)
Building Naval Power & Economic Strength in Erie, PA
Gem City Shipbuilding (GCS) represents a forward-thinking, strategic initiative to re-establish America's shipbuilding capacity at a critical moment in global history. Located on the historic and strategically valuable Erie Coke property, GCS seeks to leverage a public-private partnership model to create a shipyard capable of constructing vessels for the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, with potential for allied nation support. By reviving the region's legacy of naval shipbuilding, GCS will not only contribute to national security but also reinvigorate the economy of Erie and the surrounding Great Lakes region.
PHASE
1
Feasibility & Site Selection
PHASE
2
Community Alignment
PHASE
3
Raise Capital & Identify Strategic Partner
PHASE
4
Environmental Remediation
PHASE
5
Shipyard Build-Out
PHASE
6
Build Ships In Erie
What Could be Built in Erie?
With Erie Coke totaling 194 acres, including 100 acres available for industrial use, the property would provide an area capable of fielding capacity to build naval ships upwards of 500 feet.
Sustainability
Construction of a shipyard on the Erie Coke site would require environmental remediation that must comply with Pennsylvania's Act 2 'Land-Recycling' program.
Additionally, the shipbuilding industry is highly regulated and has implemented sustainable practices such as waste recycling, low-carbon material sourcing, renewable power generation, and other measures towards greener technologies.
