Pearlson Shiplift Corporation

What Pearlson Shiplift Corporation does

Pearlson Shiplift Corporation is a privately held, family-owned engineering and manufacturing firm headquartered in Miami, Florida that designs, builds, services, and supports shiplift and transfer systems for shipyards, naval bases, and maritime infrastructure operators worldwide. The company's lineage traces to 1957 when Raymond Pearlson invented the modern shiplift ("Syncrolift"), and the current entity was founded by his son Douglas Pearlson in 2008 after Rolls-Royce exited its Miami shiplift business, with third-generation Kelly Pearlson Fraind now leading engineering. PSC is the only organization in the world devoted exclusively to shiplift and transfer systems, with systems ranging from 500 to 30,000 tons lifting capacity and a portfolio of transfer variants including End-Off (used in 85% of active shiplifts), Direct Side Transfer, Two-Level Side Transfer Carriage, Electro-Mechanical Transfer, Self-Propelled Modular Transporters, and Hydraulic Self-Powered Transfer systems. Proprietary synchronous motor-brake assemblies, exclusively manufactured Bridon-Bekaert wire rope, and ownership of Alten/Westerman/Worthington hoist design drawings make PSC the exclusive OEM spare parts source for more than 90% of active shiplift machinery globally, supporting 250+ installations across 70+ countries.

PSC operates a project-based revenue model combining one-time new-build system design and construction contracts (ranging from multimillion-dollar superyacht facilities to $200-$250 million naval installations), aftermarket OEM spare parts supply, recurring field engineering services (inspections, training, non-destructive testing), and system modernization contracts. Go-to-market is exclusively direct enterprise sales targeting naval defense organizations (U.S. Navy via BAE Systems, Austal USA, Fincantieri; allied navies including UK HMNB Clyde, Vietnam, Korea, Kuwait), commercial shipyards (PENTA-Ocean, LungTeh, Abeking & Rasmussen, DAMEN), and a growing superyacht repair and refit segment (Marina Barcelona 92, Savannah Yacht Center, RMK Merrill-Stevens, Horizon Yacht). The customer base is concentrated in large institutional buyers with multi-year sales cycles, supported by long-tenured supplier partnerships with Bridon-Bekaert, Reuland Motor Company, Kiewit Infrastructure, and certification oversight from Lloyd's Register.

Name

Pearlson Shiplift Corporation

Legal name

Pearlson Shiplift Corporation

Website

https://shiplift.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Pearlson Shiplift Corporation is a family-owned Miami-based engineering firm that exclusively designs, builds, and supports shiplift and transfer systems (500–30,000 ton capacity) for naval bases, commercial shipyards, and superyacht facilities in 70+ countries, serving as the sole OEM parts provider for over 90% of active global installations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Marine Shipyard Equipment

NAICS

Ship Building and Repairing (336611), Ship and Boat Building (3366), Overhead Traveling Crane, Hoist, and Monorail System Manufacturing (333923)

SIC

Ship & Boat Building & Repairing (3730)

akta.pro primary industry

Shiplifts & Transfer Systems (Rail/Platform Transfer, Slipways) (IMAJALAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Launch & Retrieval Infrastructure (Slipways, Cradles, Travel Lifts, Launching Systems) (IMAJALAE), Yacht Refurbishment, Refit & Modernization (Leisure Craft) (IMAJAEAN)

Keywords

• Shiplift systems
• Transfer systems
• Marine shipyard equipment
• Vessel handling systems
• OEM spare parts

Headquarters

HQ city

Flushing

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. New Shiplift System Design & Build: Design, manufacture, and commissioning of custom shiplift and transfer systems for new shipyard installations. Contracts range from multimillion-dollar to $250 million for large naval facilities. Includes engineering, manufacturing, installation, start-up, commissioning, and load testing.
2. Aftermarket Support & OEM Spare Parts: Supply of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) spare parts for shiplift and transfer systems. PSC is the largest provider worldwide and exclusive source for more than 90% of active shiplift machinery. Includes annual inspection visits, maintenance contracts, and certification support.
3. Field Engineering Services: On-site services including annual inspection visits, operation and maintenance training, dockmaster training, and wire rope non-destructive testing (NDT). Services provided globally to commercial and government/defense customers.
4. System Modernization & Upgrade: Design, upgrade, and modernization of existing shiplift and transfer systems. Recent contract in Kuwait valued in excess of $14 million with HEISCO and Gulf Dredging Company for bringing systems up to current codes and standards.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Pearlson Shiplift Corporation designs, engineers, manufactures, installs, and services shiplift and transfer systems for shipyards worldwide. Its platforms lift vessels ranging from 500 to 30,000 tons out of the water for maintenance, repair, and overhaul. The company also provides ongoing field engineering services and OEM spare parts to support its installed base of more than 280 systems across 70+ countries.

Product overview

Pearlson Shiplift Corporation offers a unified portfolio of shiplift and transfer system products and services. The core offering consists of Shiplift Systems (with three transfer method variants: End-Off, Direct Side One-Side, and Direct Side Both-Sides) and Transfer Systems (including Two-Level Side Transfer Carriage, Electro-Mechanical Transfer, SPMT, and Hydraulic Self-Powered Transfer). These are complemented by Field Engineering Services (inspections, training, NDT) and OEM Spare Parts Manufacturing. The company designs, builds, and supports shiplifts ranging from 500 to 30,000 tons capacity, serving shipyards in over 70 countries.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Shiplift Systems Engineered lifting platforms that raise vessels out of the water in shipyards for maintenance, repair, and overhaul. Available in capacities from 500 to 30,000 tons, serving naval, commercial, and superyacht facilities.
• Transfer Systems Shore-based systems that move vessels between shiplift positions and dry storage or work areas within a shipyard, integrating with Pearlson shiplift platforms.
• Field Engineering Services On-site installation, commissioning, inspection, modernization, and lifecycle support services performed by Pearlson engineers at customer shipyard sites worldwide.
• OEM Spare Parts Manufacturer-direct replacement parts and components for installed Pearlson shiplift and transfer systems, supporting customer maintenance operations.

Quantifiable outcome

• BAE Jacksonville tripling shipyard's existing capabilities, increasing from 2 large-hulled ships to 6 vessels simultaneously
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers16 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature13 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and supporting.

• Austal USAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 February 2024Austal USA selected Pearlson Shiplift Corporation to design and build an 18,000-ton shiplift system at their Mobile, Alabama shipyard. Pearlson & Pearlson Incorporated acts as Program Manager, Project Integrator and Owner's Representative. Kiewit Infrastructure South Co. leads design and construction. The system will be the largest on the Gulf Coast and widest in North & South America, supporting U.S. Navy and Coast Guard shipbuilding programs.
• Heavy Engineering Industries & Shipbuilding Company (HEISCO) and Gulf Dredging CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 January 2023Pearlson Shiplift Corporation signed a $14+ million contract with HEISCO and Gulf Dredging Company for the design, upgrade and modernization of the shiplift and transfer system at Kuwait Naval Base. Work will be carried out over two years bringing the system up to 2023/2024 codes and standards. HEISCO is the EPC contractor and Gulf Dredging handles civil works.
• BAE Systems Jacksonville Ship RepaircoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2022Pearlson Shiplift Corporation and BAE Systems Ship Repair announced construction of a $200-$250 million shiplift facility in Jacksonville, Florida. PSC designed and built the approximately 500 ft. long, 110 ft. wide, 25,000-ton capacity shiplift system as part of BAE's shipyard modernization. The project was developed in collaboration with Foth Engineering and Kiewit Infrastructure South Co., and was commissioned in 2025.
• HL D&I HallacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 October 2022HL D&I Halla and Pearlson Shiplift Corporation signed a multimillion-dollar contract for the design and build of a state-of-the-art shiplift system for the Korean Coast Guard in South Korea. Halla serves as the primary contractor with PSC providing the shiplift system design and technology.
• Fincantieri Marinette MarinecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 October 2020Pearlson Shiplift Corporation signed a multimillion-dollar contract with Fincantieri Marinette Marine to design and build the largest shiplift system in the USA at their Wisconsin Naval Shipyard. The approximately 500 ft. x 82 ft., 10,000-ton system supports Constellation-Class Frigates and other naval programs.
• DAMEN Shipyards GroupflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 February 2016DAMEN Shipyards Group and Pearlson Shiplift Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for close cooperation in the design and execution of shiplift projects around the world. The collaboration is set to bring benefits to clients of both companies through optimized design and realization of shipyard facilities.
• Shipyard Engineering LLCsupportingTechnology or IntegrationPearlson Shiplift Corporation works with Shipyard Engineering LLC in conjunction with Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) to provide documentation for customers to meet MIL-STD-1625D(SH) for Shiplift and Transfer Systems, and provides USCG certification support per SFLC Std Spec 8634.
• Lloyd's RegistersupportingTechnology or IntegrationLloyd's Register acts as the Independent Certifying Authority for all Pearlson Shiplift Corporation design drawings, which are required to meet the LR Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment. Lloyd's Register also certified PSC's ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System.
• Reuland Motor CompanysupportingTechnology or IntegrationThrough unique partnership agreements with Reuland Motor Company and others, Pearlson Shiplift Corporation offers customers unparalleled support and service for shiplift motor and control systems.
• Bridon-BekaertsupportingTechnology or IntegrationBridon-Bekaert's UK facility is the only factory qualified to manufacture the specialized extra strength galvanized wire rope assemblies with IWRC used in Pearlson Shiplift systems. Exclusive supply relationship ensures consistent quality and performance.
• Pearlson & Pearlson IncorporatedcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPearlson & Pearlson Incorporated (affiliated company founded by Douglas Pearlson) acts as Program Manager, Project Integrator and Owner's Representative for major shiplift projects such as the Austal USA facility. Provides shipyard consultancy services specializing in drydocking and transfer systems.
• Kiewit Infrastructure South Co.coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerKiewit Infrastructure South Co. leads the design and construction of major shiplift facilities including the BAE Jacksonville project and Austal USA project in Mobile, Alabama.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Emerging players

• Wärtsilä Corporation: Wärtsilä is a global marine technology and services company with shipyard-facing solutions. While Wärtsilä primarily operates in marine engines, propulsion, and lifecycle services, its broad shipyard ecosystem presence and capital base make it a potential adjacent entrant or partner in marine infrastructure markets overlapping with PSC's offerings.

Broad incumbents

• Austal USA: Austal USA is a leading U.S. shipbuilder of littoral combat ships and ocean surveillance vessels. As the customer for PSC's 18,000T Mobile, Alabama shiplift facility, Austal represents the broader U.S. Navy shipbuilding ecosystem that PSC serves. Not a direct competitor but a defining customer relationship in PSC's naval order book.
• BAE Systems, Inc. BAE Systems is a major defense prime contractor that is a strategic customer for PSC's flagship $200-$250M Jacksonville shiplift facility. While not a direct competitor, BAE's naval ship repair and modernization programs define the demand environment for PSC's largest U.S. projects.
• Damen Shipyards Group: Damen Shipyards Group is a global shipbuilder and shipyard operator that signed an MOU with PSC for cooperation on shiplift projects. While Damen is a PSC customer/partner rather than direct competitor, it operates shipyards worldwide and influences shipyard infrastructure decisions. Comparable as a large maritime industry incumbent with overlapping shipyard ecosystem exposure.
• Fincantieri S.p.A. Fincantieri is one of the world's largest shipbuilders with operations in naval, cruise, and offshore segments. The company's Marinette Marine subsidiary is a PSC customer for the largest shiplift in the USA. Comparable as a strategic customer and global naval shipbuilding incumbent whose capital plans drive PSC's large-project pipeline.
• VARD Group (Fincantieri): VARD is a global shipbuilder specializing in offshore and specialized vessels, with shipyard operations including VARD Tulcea that PSC supports. Comparable as a large-scale shipyard operator whose infrastructure investments intersect with PSC's shiplift and transfer system offerings.

Direct peers

• Atlas Marine Technologies (formerly Stokvis): Atlas Marine Technologies (formerly Stokvis Marine) designs and manufactures shiplift and transfer systems for shipyards globally. Both companies offer synchronous-lift shiplift platforms and side/end transfer solutions, directly competing for the same naval, commercial, and yacht-refit shipyard customers. The two firms are the closest functional peers in the dedicated shiplift niche.
• Marine Travelift Inc. Marine Travelift manufactures mobile boat hoists and travel lifts used by shipyards and marinas worldwide. Both companies design and build mechanical lifting systems that raise vessels out of the water for service, though Marine Travelift focuses on smaller-capacity, mobile solutions versus PSC's fixed shiplift infrastructure. Comparable in addressing the same shipyard customer base and lifting-application category.
• Wise Handling Ltd: Wise Handling is a UK-based manufacturer of mobile boat lifts and travel lifts serving yacht harbors, marinas, and small commercial shipyards. Both firms design mechanical systems to lift vessels out of water, though Wise Handling's mobile units compete mainly in the smaller-capacity segment where PSC also offers solutions.

Others

• Rolls-Royce plc (Marine): Rolls-Royce previously owned and operated the shiplift business before closing its Miami operations in 2008, with PSC acquiring the assets and team. Comparable as the historical predecessor entity whose former engineers, design drawings, and customer relationships now reside at PSC. Not a current competitor but a relevant reference point for the business's lineage.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

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Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Pearlson Shiplift Corporation