NNS Donates Dry Dock Gate to Become Part of Sustainable Fish Reef

Newport News Shipbuilding partnered with the Virginia Marine Resource Commission (VMRC) to donate and sink a former dry dock caisson gate offshore, giving it new life as part of an artificial reef. The donation directly supports Virginia’s Artificial Reef Program, which aims to replicate natural fish habitats as closely as possible and increase fishing opportunities for anglers.

Caisson gates are used at the harbor end of a dry dock and allow dry docks to be flooded as needed. This particular gate, originally put into service at NNS in 1967, was part of a dry dock no longer in use at the shipyard. NNS crews worked to prepare the caisson gate, ensuring that it was environmentally ready to take on its new mission. That included stripping all loose paint, removal of electrical items and ensuring all oils and solvents were removed. The gate was also ballasted for sinking to ensure it landed on the seabed properly.

Watch this video to see the gate being towed offshore and sunk as part of VMRC’s Tower Reef, which is already home to multiple other vessels and subway cars.