US Navy Sponsored Study Validates Efficiency, Safety, and ROI of Syncrolift’s FastDocking™ System

FastDocking: Redefining Drydocking for the 21st Century

A comprehensive final report released in June 2025 by DM Consulting—under the sponsorship of the U.S. Navy and the National Shipbuilding Research Program (NSRP)—has confirmed what forward-thinking shipyards already know: Syncrolift’s FastDocking™ systems significantly reduce drydocking time, improve safety, and offer compelling long-term returns on investment.

This study (Rev B) goes beyond preliminary insights, delivering structural validation, seismic and wind resistance analyses, and cost-benefit comparisons for three naval vessel classes. The findings are a major step toward broader adoption of FastDocking™ technology in U.S. yards.

Traditionally, shipyards rely on labor-intensive wooden side blocks for hull support—methods that haven’t significantly changed in centuries. Syncrolift’s FastDocking™ solutions, including hydraulic Bilge Support Arms and Side Support Arms, eliminate this bottleneck with engineered steel and hydraulic precision.

Both systems underwent detailed site evaluations at operational yards in Norway, along with full structural and seismic analyses. The report affirms their suitability for routine use and outlines upgrade paths for emergency-readiness scenarios involving high winds or seismic events.

Operational Insights from Norway’s Leading Yards

The study team conducted site visits to operational Syncrolift FastDocking installations in Norway, gathering real-world data from shipyards using these systems daily.

Hamek Shipyard: Sidewall Support Arms

Installed in a graving dock, Syncrolift’s Side Support Arms act like a horizontal scissor lift, engaging the hull above the waterline. These arms are vertically movable and can be extended for various vessel beam widths. Local and centralized control systems, along with passive mechanical brakes, ensure safe operation, even in power outages.

Key advantages/takeaways:

• Faster turnaround and full hull access. No side blocks needed since installation
• Centrifugal vessel centering eliminates mooring line dependence for transverse positioning.
• Arms have been used effectively in configurations of two or more, with occasional use of one arm for small vessels. DMC and Syncrolift strongly recommends minimum two.
• Validated for loads up to 22.5 MT with very low structural stress (<40 MPa), well within AISC steel construction codes.

Operators noted substantial cost and time savings. One supervisor commented, “We haven’t built a side block in years.”

Fiskerstrand Yard: Floating Dock Bilge Support Arms

Installed on a floating dock, the hydraulic bilge support arms replicate traditional bilge block support but with adjustable, steel-arm precision. Operated via dual-acting hydraulic cylinders and locking valves, the system can be relocated along the dock length to suit vessel configurations.

Key advantages/takeaways:

• Reduces docking labor and setup time.
• Enhances vessel safety with localized control and built-in hydraulic failsafes.
• Structurally validated for 34 MT (normal) and up to 65 MT (extreme) load conditions.
• Operators confirmed substantial time savings and uninterrupted operation across various vessel types.

DMC advises that maintenance routines and hose management ensures safety and enhances operational readiness.

The FastDocking Advantage

The June 2025 study affirms Syncrolift’s FastDocking products offer more than operational efficiency; they’re an upgrade to how modern shipyards approach logistics, safety, and profitability.

Core benefits:

• Faster Docking: Dramatically reduced drydocking prep and blocking time.
• No Side Blocks: Frees up labor and improves hull access.
• Full Hull Exposure: Enables seamless coating and repair of underwater surfaces.
• Precise Centering: Synchronized arm extension tracks hull position with millimeter accuracy.
• Live Load Monitoring: With optional sensors or block indicator systems for real-time diagnostics.
• Validated Engineering: Conforms to MIL‑STD 1625 (pdf), NSTM 997 (pdf) and USCG SFLC 8634 (pdf)

Download the pdf of the study here.

Cost-Benefit Backed by Engineering

The study evaluated Syncrolift’s systems against traditional drydocking across three vessel classes:

• Arleigh Burke-class (DDG)
• Freedom-class LCS
• Sentinel-class Coast Guard Cutter (CGC)

Key findings:

Both bilge and side support systems show significant cost savings over 30 years. Reduced man-hours, faster turnaround, and higher vessel throughput translate into long-term ROI.

For extreme scenarios (winds up to 150kts and 0.2 g earthquakes), the study confirms that Syncrolift's support arms retain superiority over conventional methods, especially for smaller vessels like the CGC. 

Secondary Return-on-Investment Benefits

Beyond structural performance and cost, Syncrolift FastDocking™ systems deliver additional strategic advantages:

• Operational/Combat Readiness: No need to re-block between similar vessels.
• Unobstructed Painting Access: Arms can be temporarily retracted for coating behind support points.
• Predictive Maintenance: Load cell data enables early detection and performance logging.

Shaping the Future of Drydocking

Committed to modernizing maritime infrastructure, Syncrolift supports shipyards worldwide with cutting-edge shiplift, docking, and transfer systems. Our engineers always strive for maximum efficiency, operational safety, and meeting the evolving needs of the global fleet.

But Syncrolift’s role doesn’t end at installation. Through our comprehensive maintenance programs, Syncrolift offers lifecycle support that includes:

• Preventive and corrective maintenance
• Remote monitoring and diagnostics
• Spare parts supply
• On-site training & service agreements
• System upgrades and modernizations

These services ensure that shipyards maintain peak performance and availability across decades of use.

To strengthen operator expertise and ensure safe, efficient usage, Syncrolift also runs the Syncrolift Academy; a hands-on training program offering simulation-based dockmaster certification and technical upskilling for maintenance teams.

At the forefront of maritime engineering, the Syncrolift Innovation Center continues to develop smart technologies and modular solutions for next-generation yards—including AI-assisted diagnostics, advanced load management, and software-defined docking workflows.

The US Navy sponsored study validates what many of our customers already know: FastDocking™ isn’t just an upgrade: It’s the future of safe, scalable, and high-throughput drydocking.

Ready to Modernize Your Yard?

Join the yards already leading the transformation. Syncrolift offers FastDocking systems tailored to your infrastructure and vessel mix.

Contact us at: fastdocking@syncrolift.com

Let’s bring next-generation drydocking to your shipyard.