Maritime exploration and technology company Ocean Aero plans to create 45 new jobs in Mississippi with a $4 million investment.
Ocean Aero moved its headquarters from California to Gulfport in 2021 and is looking to expand its footprint in the Magnolia State. As part of its latest announcement, the company plans to make improvements and add new manufacturing equipment at its existing facility at the Port of Gulfport.
The project, per officials, includes rehabilitating 25,000 square feet currently used for storage and converting it into production-ready manufacturing space. The improvements will provide the capacity needed to increase production of the company’s TRITON platform.
Ocean Aero developed the TRITON, an environmentally powered autonomous underwater and surface vehicle that collects data above and below the ocean’s surface and relays information from virtually anywhere. The system supports defense, research, and energy missions through autonomous capabilities that enable efficient deployment, operation, and recovery.
“Demand for our autonomous maritime capabilities is growing rapidly, and this expansion positions Ocean Aero to deliver TRITON systems at greater scale in support of our customers and their missions,” Ocean Aero CEO Kevin Decker said. Our Gulfport headquarters is the epicenter of Ocean Aero’s growth, and we’re excited to continue investing in our facility, our workforce and the state of Mississippi.”
As with many major economic development projects, the Mississippi Development Authority is assisting financially. The agency’s efforts will go toward the building improvements. Harrison County, where Gulfport resides, is also contributing to the project.
“Advanced technologies are changing the future of manufacturing, and Mississippi is making sure we’re part of it,” Gov. Tate Reeves said. “Ocean Aero’s expansion in Gulfport means more investment, more high-quality jobs, and more proof that companies developing next-generation technologies can succeed here. The state is proud to support that growth.”
