Gulf Ship to expand operations in Gulfport
Sep 3, 2026 - Magnolia Tribune
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Shipbuilder creating 121 jobs
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Expansion represents corporate investment of more than $43.81 million
Shipbuilding company Gulf Ship is expanding operations in Gulfport, a project that represents a corporate investment of more than $43.81 million and will create 121 jobs.
Gulf Ship, an Edison Chouest Offshore company, has operated in Gulfport for more than two decades and is undertaking a major modernization of its existing shipbuilding and steel fabrication facilities. The 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 includes significant upgrades to existing production buildings and supporting infrastructure, as well as the installation of new automated steel fabrication and assembly equipment. 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 that will improve production efficiency, increase capacity and enhance worker safety.
The Mississippi Development Authority is assisting with infrastructure improvements and building upgrades. Harrison County also is assisting with the project.
Gulf Ship expects to complete the upgrades by the fourth quarter of 2027 and plans to fill the 121 jobs by 2028.
According to MDA, 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 that will improve production efficiency, increase capacity and enhance worker safety.
Gulf Ship expects to complete the upgrades by the fourth quarter of 2027 and fill the jobs by 2028.
Governor Tate Reeves touted the investment on the Coast, saying, “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,” 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.”
The Mississippi Development Authority said the state agency is assisting with infrastructure improvements and building upgrades while Harrison County is also assisting with the project.