The Coast’s autonomous-vessel industry is expanding beyond Gulfport. SubSea Craft, a maritime technology company headquartered in Portsmouth, England, plans a U.S. production operation at Port Bienville in Hancock County.
What the facility will do
The September 24 announcement describes nearly $6.1 million in investment and 56 planned jobs. In an existing facility, the company will make composite components for autonomous surface vessels and conduct testing and software validation. It also plans maintenance and technical support for U.S. customers.
When the jobs arrive
Operations are expected in the second quarter of 2027, with the positions filled by 2028. The announcement does not provide average wages, individual job titles or an application timetable.
Why Hancock County matters to the wider story
Gulfport’s recent investments include shipbuilding, autonomous ocean vehicles and vessel testing. Port Bienville adds another location and a different piece of that work. The opportunity for Coast residents depends on making the career paths understandable before hiring begins, while local suppliers will need clear information about purchasing requirements.
Workers should follow the company’s hiring announcements as the opening approaches. Suppliers should first establish which goods and services will be bought locally. A promised facility creates a reason to prepare, but it is not yet a list of available contracts.