Exhibit 23.1



                        Consent of Independent Auditors


We consent to the incorporation by the Registration Statement (Form S-8
No. 33-46155) pertaining to the Long-Term Incentive Plan of our report dated
January 28, 2000, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Gulf
Island Fabrication, Inc. included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year
ended December 31, 1999.



                                                               ERNST & YOUNG LLP


New Orleans, Louisiana
March 23, 2000