Moreover, the Liberty ships built at the yard served into the 1950s and beyond, proving the durability of the welded steel hulls and the yard’s standards. Notably, some of the hulls built there later served commercially until the 1970s. For instance, the SS George E. Merrick, launched in April 1944, survived and was scrapped only in 1972.
Accordingly, the quality of construction at St. Johns River Shipbuilding Company contributed to the extended life of these vessels.
Economic Impact on Jacksonville and the Riverfront
The scale of operations had immediate economic benefits: tens of thousands of jobs, support industries, local transportation needs, housing and ancillary services expanded rapidly. The shipyard catalyzed growth in the Jacksonville area, reinforcing the city’s role as a maritime and industrial hub. The heavy investment by the U.S. government and subcontractors connected Jacksonville to global war logistics.
The aftermath also influenced the city’s redevelopment of its riverfront. Former yard facilities and lands eventually became part of property redevelopment strategies, helping shape Jacksonville’s transition from heavy industry toward mixed commercial and recreational use along the St. Johns River. shutdown123