Gulf Ship investing $44 million to expand Gulfport shipyard

Gulf Ship investing $44 million to. Gulf Ship investing $44 million to expand Gulfport shipyard.

Key points

• The Mississippi Development Authority confirmed Wednesday that Gulf Ship is expanding operations in Gulfport with a $43.81 million investment that looks to create 121 jobs.
• Charles Tillotson looks to be confirmed as the new Port Director in Pascagoula, pending approval afterwards this week by the Jackson County Port Authority Board of Commissioners.
• Gulf Ship expects to complete the upgrades by the fourth quarter of 2027 and fill the jobs by 2028.
• Edison Chouest is headquartered in Larose, Louisiana, and additionally has shipyard locations in Tampa Bay, Florida and Navegantes, Brazil.
• A little bit petty, a whole lot creative: Inside Tupelo's Petty Betty's Art Studio.

Gulf Ship investing $44 million to. Gulf Ship investing $44 million to expand Gulfport shipyard. By: Frank Corder – September 2, 2026. (Photo from Gulf Ship).

Edison Chouest Offshore CEO Gary Chouest remarked there is a tremendous amount of focus nationally on rebuilding America's shipbuilding industrial base, and Mississippi has an notable role to play in that effort.

Notably, the Mississippi Development Authority confirmed Wednesday that Gulf Ship is expanding operations in Gulfport with a $43.81 million investment that looks to create 121 jobs.

Gulf Ship is an Edison Chouest Offshore firm. The shipyard has operated in Gulfport for more than two decades.

"This project is about investing in American shipbuilding, expanding domestic manufacturing capacity and giving our workforce the facilities, equipment and technology needed to compete at the highest level, " Chouest remarked. "We are proud to make that investment here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and proud to have state and local partners who recognize the importance of shipbuilding to both Mississippi's economy and our nation's maritime future."

For context, the investment into the Gulfport site is aimed at 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 backing growing demand for U.S.-built commercial and administration vessels.

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, growth capacity and enhance worker safety.

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 remarked. "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 support meet it."

In practice, the Mississippi Development Authority remarked the state agency is assisting with infrastructure improvements and building upgrades while Harrison County is additionally assisting with the project. Regarding the Author(s).

Frank Corder is a native of Pascagoula. For almost two decades, he has noted and offered analysis on administration, public policy, business and matters of faith. Frank's interviews, articles, and columns have been shared throughout Mississippi as well as in national publications. He is a frequent guest on radio and television, providing insight and commentary on the inner workings of the Magnolia State. Frank has served his community in both elected and appointed public office, hosted his own local radio and television programs, and managed private businesses all while being an engaged husband and father. Email Frank: [email protected].

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In short, gulf Ship investing $44 million to expand Gulfport shipyard is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.