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2d ago

Saronic Announces $300 Million Expansion of Louisiana Shipyard to Scale Autonomous Vessels

State incentives plus local training programs will support hiring at the expanded yard.

Saronic’s shipyard expansion strengthens America’s shipbuilding industrial base and helps revive a vital industry that supports U.S. maritime leadership and national security.
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Overview

  • Groundbreaking took place in November with more than 300,000 square feet of new capacity slated to finish by late 2026, with expanded operations starting in early 2027.
  • The project targets 1,500 direct jobs at roughly $88,000 average pay, with Louisiana Economic Development projecting 1,770 additional indirect roles for about 3,270 total.
  • Plans include three new slips, a larger warehouse, and a dedicated line for large-vessel assembly focused on the 180-foot Marauder autonomous ship.
  • Two Marauder vessels are currently under construction in Franklin, with the first expected to enter the water by year-end.
  • Saronic cites collaborations with JacobsWyper, P2S, KPFF, JE Dunn, and Alberici, and the state package includes LED FastStart, a $2 million grant and $3 million EDAP, as the company advances Navy-linked work under an OTA with $196.6 million obligated.