San Francisco plans demolition of damaged floating drydock by 2027

The Port of San Francisco expects it may take until 2027 to begin demolition and removal of its damaged floating drydock No. 2, which was severely affected by storm conditions in November and now requires continuous pumping to remain afloat.
The defunct floating drydock, located near Piers 68–70, sustained structural damage during heavy rainfall and storms, prompting emergency stabilisation work. Port officials estimate the demolition and scrapping project will cost about USD 61.20 million (EUR 56.49 million).
Authorities warned that a full sinking of the structure would result in significantly higher environmental clean-up costs, making removal a priority despite the expected timeline for contractor mobilisation.
The drydock, installed in 1970, has a lifting capacity of around 54,800 tonnes and was previously used to service large vessels operating in San Francisco Bay. Along with the former drydock No. 1 and the Eureka drydock, the facilities supported shiprepair operations on the city’s industrial waterfront until activity declined in the 2010s.
The port has already spent USD 8.60 million (EUR 7.94 million) on emergency stabilisation and repair work following the storm damage.
Eric Young, spokesperson for the Port of San Francisco, said the area could eventually be redeveloped as part of the waterfront’s long-term transformation. “The waterfront has changed dramatically, right? Even over the last 10 to 15 years. And so, this area will certainly factor into that and the conversations about what that area might become.” he said.