Shipbuilding company Gulf Ship is expanding operations along the Mississippi Gulf Coast with a $43.81 million investment.
Gulf Ship, a subsidiary of marine transportation company Edison Chouest Offshore, plans to create 121 new jobs at its existing location in Gulfport. The business has operated in Gulfport for more than two decades and is undertaking a major modernization of its existing shipbuilding and steel fabrication facilities.
Officials announced that the latest project will expand Gulf Ship’s production capacity, introduce advanced manufacturing technologies, and further position the Gulfport operation to support growing demand for U.S.-built commercial and government vessels. The project, per officials, includes significant upgrades to existing production buildings and supporting infrastructure, as well as the installation of new automated steel fabrication and assembly equipment.
“Mississippians are the best shipbuilders in America, so this investment makes a lot of sense for Gulf Ship and our state. Mississippi has a long history of building the vessels that keep our nation moving,” Gov. Tate Reeves said. “This investment will create 121 new jobs while advancing one of Mississippi’s signature industries. Demand for American-built vessels is growing, and Mississippi has the workforce, expertise and industrial base to help meet it.”
Planned investments include advanced panel and subassembly production lines, T-beam fabrication equipment, automated and robotic welding systems, material handling improvements, and other modern shipbuilding technologies to improve production efficiency, increase capacity, and enhance worker safety.
“We are very excited to see the expansion, new technology and opportunities that Gulf Ship continues to bring to Harrison County,” Harrison County Development Commission Executive Director Bill Lavers said. “This is another great example of one of our multigenerational businesses investing in a proven market with a supportive workforce and business environment that fosters their innovation and success.”
Gulf Ship expects to complete the upgrades by the fourth quarter of 2027 and plans to fill the 121 jobs by 2028. As is the case with many major economic development deals in the state, the Mississippi Development Authority is chipping in on infrastructure improvements and building upgrades. Harrison County is also assisting with the project.
