Case Study

EDC quantified economic impact of San Diego’s ship repair industry

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ServiceIntelligence­/Research

MAY 2024

The Port of San Diego Ship Repair Association (SRA), comprising 150 member companies, drives San Diego’s shipbuilding and repair industry, supporting Navy readiness and national defense. From advanced ship maintenance to specialized repairs, SRA’s members deliver essential services to sustain and enhance naval fleets.

To highlight the industry’s economic significance, SRA regularly compiles data on its regional impact, offering elected officials and the community a clear, measurable picture of the industry’s critical role in national security and local prosperity.

COMPANY

The Port of San Diego Ship Repair Association’s CHALLENGE

The SRA connected with EDC to develop an updated economic impact report, which was last produced in 2015. The assessment serves to help the SRA understand the significance and range of the industry’s presence in the region, with data on jobs impacted and revenue produced.

EDC SOLUTION AND SUPPORT PROVIDED

In May 2024, EDC’s Research Bureau conducted an economic impact assessment on the region’s ship building industry, which includes jobs, sales, wages, as well as total contribution to the local economy. To collect this information, EDC issued a short survey across Master Ship Repair (MSR) and Agreement of Boat Repair (ABR) members of the SRA.

EDC produced a short report, a designed fact sheet, and presented results to SRA’s members. Key findings from the analysis showed shipbuilding supports more than 15,000 jobs locally, experienced a 9.2 percent increase in wages since 2014, and pays 5.5 percent above San Diego’s regional average.

VALUE DERIVED

By providing the SRA with an up-to-date economic impact report, the association is able to prove its regional impact to relevant stakeholders. This is especially important when pursuing permitting for expansion or modernization and advocating for policies that could affect industry, including zoning and new regulations.

“EDC’s research on the ship repair industry has been invaluable in protecting the industry and showing the community the very positive impact, our industry has on jobs in the region.”

—Gordon Rutherford, President, Port of San Diego Ship Repair Association

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