SubSea Craft Establishes US Autonomous Maritime Production Hub at Port Bienville

25 September 2026
Edited By: Ed Freeman

Advanced maritime technology company SubSea Craft is locating operations in Hancock County. The project represents a corporate investment of nearly $6.1 million and will create 56 jobs.

(Credit: Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission)

Headquartered in Portsmouth, England, SubSea Craft develops and delivers advanced maritime platforms and autonomous technologies for customers across defense, security, and commercial markets, with growing operations in the United States.

The company is locating in an existing facility at Port Bienville, where it will establish its primary US commercial production center. From the Bay St. Louis location, the company will manufacture advanced composite components for autonomous surface vessels, conduct testing and software validation, and provide maintenance and technical support for customers across the country.

The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program. Hancock County and AccelerateMS are assisting with the project, as well.

SubSea Craft expects to begin operations in the second quarter of 2027 and plans to fill the 56 jobs by 2028.

“After considering multiple locations for this project, SubSea Craft found what it needed in Hancock County to move fast and get to work,” said Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Bill Cork. Port Bienville offers existing space and strong infrastructure that can turn a site decision into an operating facility without wasting time, plus Gulf access that is crucial for advanced maritime and defense technology. We have the assets and the workforce to compete in the blue economy, and SubSea Craft’s decision proves it.”

“The United States is a key market for SubSea Craft, and Hancock County provides an ideal location to meet growing demand for autonomous maritime systems,” said Camilla Martin, Chief Executive Officer, SubSea Craft. This facility will enable us to manufacture, integrate, test, and support advanced autonomous maritime systems at pace, strengthening our ability to support both US and international customers while creating highly skilled jobs in the region. We are excited to join Mississippi’s growing maritime and advanced manufacturing community and look forward to being a long-term partner in the state.”