Vallejo City Council Pushes for Urgent Shipbuilding Revival

UPDATE: The Vallejo City Council has just directed city staff to draft a white paper titled “Maritime Industry in Vallejo,” aiming to revitalize Mare Island as a major shipbuilding hub. This urgent initiative seeks federal funding through the newly introduced bipartisan Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security Act (SHIPS Act), co-introduced by Congressman John Garamendi.
The council’s efforts come as the maritime industry faces increasing competition globally. Vallejo Mayor Andrea Sorce stated, “This is a tremendous opportunity for Vallejo,” emphasizing the potential to increase the number of U.S.-flagged vessels manufactured domestically from 80 to 250. The SHIPS Act, reintroduced by Garamendi and three other lawmakers in April 2025, aims to enhance recruitment and training for mariners and shipyard workers, vital for restoring the U.S. maritime sector.
Why This Matters NOW: With the Navy actively seeking to expand its dry dock capacity, Vallejo’s strategic location and existing infrastructure could position it as a leader in shipbuilding. Vice Mayor Peter Bregenzer noted the urgency, stating, “We don’t have enough capacity for what the Navy is looking for.” Vallejo’s current four dry docks are insufficient for the Navy’s needs, which is crucial as the military explores options for centralized shipbuilding locations.
The council aims to submit the white paper to Garamendi by the end of October 2025. This document will outline how Vallejo can capitalize on existing resources and infrastructure, including partnerships with regional cities like Alameda and San Francisco. Bregenzer highlighted, “Reinvesting in and revamping current shipyards would be cheaper than building new ones,” making Vallejo a competitive option for federal funds.
“We have our working waterfront coalition operating on Mare Island,” Sorce added, pointing to the California Poly Maritime Academy’s national standing as a robust asset in their initiative.
As the city moves forward, council members stress the importance of community engagement in their plans. Council Member Tonia Lediju emphasized the need for ongoing conversations with local communities to ensure broad support and input. “We need to make sure we are talking to all our communities,” she stated, underscoring the human impact of this initiative.
The stakes are high as the decision to revitalize shipbuilding in Vallejo could create numerous jobs and stimulate local economic growth. Council Member Alexander Matias expressed optimism about the bipartisan support for the SHIPS Act, asserting, “It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when.”
In the face of regional competition, including a potential new shipyard proposed by California Forever in Collinsville, Vallejo’s leadership is clear: collaboration with neighboring cities will be essential to present a unified and compelling case for federal investments.
As developments unfold, the Vallejo City Council remains focused on positioning the city at the forefront of the maritime industry. The urgency of this initiative highlights a pivotal moment not only for Vallejo but for the broader U.S. maritime landscape. Stay tuned for more updates as this story continues to evolve.