Gulf Ship expanding in Gulfport
- Shipbuilder creating 121 jobs
- Expansion represents corporate investment of more than $43.81 million
Jackson, Miss. (Sept. 2, 2026) – 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.
For more information about Gulf Ship, visit chouest.com/shipyards.html.
QUOTES
“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. 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.” – Gov. Tate Reeves
“Supporting Mississippi employers that continue investing in our state is one of the most important things MDA does. Gulf Ship’s significant investment in its Gulfport operations will enable the company to take on more complex work and contribute to the national effort to expand American shipbuilding capacity. The companies that continue investing are the companies that continue winning, and we’re proud to support that kind of growth in Mississippi.” – Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Bill Cork
“This investment is a great example of what can happen when industry, state government and local leadership work together toward a common goal. We are extremely grateful to Governor Reeves, the Mississippi Development Authority, Harrison County, the Harrison County Development Commission and everyone who has worked with us to help move this project forward. Their commitment to economic development and Mississippi’s maritime industry has been instrumental in creating an environment where companies like ours can continue to invest, grow and create good jobs.
There is a tremendous amount of focus nationally on rebuilding America’s shipbuilding industrial base, and Mississippi has an important role to play in that effort. 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. 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.” – Edison Chouest Offshore CEO Gary Chouest
“We are very excited to see the expansion, new technology and opportunities that Gulf Ship continues to bring to Harrison County. 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.” – Harrison County Development Commission Executive Director Bill Lavers