Miami18: RMK Merrill-Stevens to add 100-ton lift

Feb 17, 2018 by Triton Staff

Miami shipyard RMK Merrill-Stevens plans to replace its 70-ton travel lift with a new 100-ton travel lift, the latest improvement in a $30 million overhaul of the 130-year-old shipyard.

The yard, which straddles both banks of the Miami River just west of I-95, has recently decommissioned its 1950s-era shiplift as work progresses on a new, state-of-the-art 2,700-ton shiplift that is expected to be commissioned this fall. When completed, the north yard will offer multiple dry berths up to 230 feet and in-water berths ranging from 130 feet to a 450-foot berth that can accommodate multiple yachts.

Renovations at the yard also include new facilities, equipment, workshops and crew amenities.

RMK Merrill Stevens CEO Aaron Leatherwood, left, and owner Rahmi M Koc.

“Our goal is to exceed the demands of the most discerning clients and offer high quality workmanship with unsurpassed honesty and integrity,” said Aaron Leatherwood, president and CEO of RMK Merrill-Stevens. “The modernization efforts, energized new team and customer-focused culture are attracting clientele excited to find quality service for yachts of all sizes.”

The shipyard continues to operate during the construction.

The shipyard was founded in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1885 and has been based on the Miami River since 1923. Turkish industrialist Rahmi M. Koç purchased the yard in 2013.

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