Electric Boat Unveils Cutting-Edge Dry Dock To Revolutionize Ballistic Missile Submarine Production

The construction of the Columbia-class of Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBNs) has reached a significant milestone with the arrival of a new floating dry dock at General Dynamics Electric Boat’s primary shipyard in Groton, Connecticut. The dry dock, designated “Atlas,” was constructed by Bollinger Shipyards in Louisiana and completed its approximately 2,100-mile journey to Groton on January 3rd. It will be positioned directly next to the South Yard Assembly Building, where the assembly of the Columbia-class submarines takes place.

The Atlas dry dock boasts impressive dimensions: it stands at 618 feet long, 90 feet tall, and maintains a width of 140 feet. The dry dock is designed to sit 60 feet above the adjacent deck, providing ample space for the assembly of the Columbia-class submarines. When not in use, the dry dock will be moored closer to the shoreline next to the building for storage, minimizing its footprint on the shipyard.

The construction of the Columbia-class has been a long-term effort, with work initiated six years ago. The project involves collaboration between General Dynamics Electric Boat, Huntington Ingalls Industries, and Newport News Shipbuilding. Since its inception, the companies have made steady progress towards the completion and delivery of the first boat, District of Columbia (SSBN-826), scheduled for October 2028.

The District of Columbia’s bow section was delivered to GDEB in November 2025, marking an important milestone in the construction process. The completed section is currently undergoing testing and integration work ahead of its assembly in Groton. The entire section will be transported via barge up the east coast, a testament to the complexity and scale of the project.

The Columbia-class submarines are designed to be a significant upgrade over the aging Ohio Class of SSBNs. The new class features improved performance, increased firepower, and enhanced survivability capabilities. The District of Columbia is projected to weigh in at 20,815 tons submerged, with a larger beam of 43 feet, compared to the Ohio-class boats.

The construction of the Columbia-class also comes with significant cost implications. The projected cost of the District of Columbia alone is over $16 billion dollars. As subsequent boats in the class are constructed, their costs will decrease due to economies of scale and modular construction techniques. This approach enables multiple sections of the submarine to be built simultaneously across different manufacturers, reducing overall production time.

The introduction of the Atlas dry dock represents a major investment in General Dynamics Electric Boat’s facilities and capabilities. The new facility will enable the company to take on more complex projects, including the construction of future submarines and other naval vessels. This development is a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation and its role as a leading player in the defense industry.

As the Columbia-class submarines embark on their journey towards completion, they will play a critical role in ensuring national security and protecting American interests around the world. The Atlas dry dock marks an important milestone in this process, providing General Dynamics Electric Boat with the necessary infrastructure to support the construction of these vital vessels.

The future of submarine construction is looking brighter than ever, thanks to advancements in technology and the investment of companies like General Dynamics Electric Boat. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how the Atlas dry dock and other innovative facilities shape the future of naval architecture and defense capabilities. The Columbia-class submarines are poised to play a vital role in maintaining America’s strategic advantage, and their construction is a testament to the country’s commitment to innovation and excellence.

The project has already seen significant milestones achieved, with work progressing steadily towards completion. As the District of Columbia nears its scheduled delivery date, it will be exciting to see how this next-generation submarine performs in real-world operations. The Atlas dry dock represents a major step forward for General Dynamics Electric Boat, providing the necessary infrastructure to support the construction and maintenance of these critical vessels.

The Columbia-class submarines are designed to be more efficient, effective, and survivable than their predecessors. Their advanced design and technology will enable them to perform complex tasks with greater ease, making them an invaluable asset to the US Navy. As the first boats in the class begin to enter service, they will play a critical role in ensuring national security and protecting American interests around the world.

The construction of the Columbia-class is a prime example of public-private partnership and collaboration between General Dynamics Electric Boat, Huntington Ingalls Industries, and Newport News Shipbuilding. The companies have worked together seamlessly to bring this project to fruition, sharing resources and expertise to achieve a common goal. This level of cooperation has resulted in significant cost savings and improved efficiency, demonstrating the benefits of collaboration in complex projects.

The future of submarine construction looks bright, thanks to advancements in technology and the investment of companies like General Dynamics Electric Boat. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how the Atlas dry dock and other innovative facilities shape the future of naval architecture and defense capabilities. With the Columbia-class submarines nearing completion, it’s clear that the company’s commitment to innovation and excellence will be essential in delivering next-generation ballistic missile submarines that will protect American interests for decades to come.

The successful completion of the Columbia-class project represents a major milestone in General Dynamics Electric Boat’s history, demonstrating the company’s capabilities in complex project management. The arrival of the Atlas dry dock marks an exciting new chapter for the company, providing the necessary infrastructure to support the construction and maintenance of these critical vessels. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how the Atlas dry dock and other innovative facilities shape the future of naval architecture and defense capabilities.

The Columbia-class submarines are designed to play a critical role in maintaining America’s strategic advantage, and their construction is a testament to the country’s commitment to innovation and excellence. As the project nears its completion, it’s clear that General Dynamics Electric Boat has demonstrated its ability to manage complex projects, deliver high-quality results, and support the nation’s defense needs.

The Columbia-class submarines are an important part of America’s strategic nuclear deterrent, providing a vital layer of security for the country. Their advanced design and technology will enable them to perform complex tasks with greater ease, making them an invaluable asset to the US Navy. As the first boats in the class begin to enter service, they will play a critical role in ensuring national security and protecting American interests around the world.

The successful completion of the Columbia-class project marks an exciting new chapter for General Dynamics Electric Boat, providing the necessary infrastructure to support the construction and maintenance of these critical vessels. The arrival of the Atlas dry dock is a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation and its role as a leading player in the defense industry.