Birdon America Inc. Announces Major Shipbuilding Facility in Pensacola
On January 30, 2026, Birdon America Inc., based in Denver, unveiled plans to establish a significant shipbuilding facility at the Port of Pensacola, Florida. The new facility will span 400,000 square feet and is expected to commence operations in the third quarter of 2027. This ambitious project is backed by a $76 million grant from Triumph Gulf Coast, a nonprofit organization dedicated to economic recovery efforts following the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The funding will assist in covering the construction costs, with the City of Pensacola owning the facility and leasing it to Birdon on a long-term basis.
The shipyard will be constructed on a site historically utilized for port cargo and maritime operations. It aims to focus on naval and defense-related projects, with capabilities to produce complex modules for Navy ships, submarines, and surface vessels measuring up to 400 feet. Birdon America has emphasized that the facility will integrate cutting-edge technology and modern shipbuilding practices, projecting over 3 million production man-hours annually and the creation of approximately 2,000 jobs in engineering, skilled trades, and support roles.
Project Maeve: A Strategic Investment in Maritime Industry
Referred to as “Project Maeve” in funding applications, the total investment for the Pensacola shipyard is estimated at $275 million. This includes $105 million allocated for construction, $25 million for site preparation and port utility upgrades, and $145 million for equipment. The development will occur in two phases: the first phase will involve the establishment of a panel line and module fabrication warehouse, while the second phase will focus on constructing an assembly bay.
Birdon Group, the parent company based in Australia, operates across multiple continents, including the United States, Europe, and Asia. The Pensacola facility will mark Birdon’s sixth location in the U.S., complementing existing operations such as the construction of Waterways Commerce Cutters for the U.S. Coast Guard in Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and the 47’ Motor Lifeboat Service Life Extension Program in Bellingham, Washington, and Portland, Connecticut.
Tony Ardito, president of Birdon America, expressed confidence in the company’s role as a reliable partner to U.S. government customers. He stated, “Our expansion to a sixth location at the Port of Pensacola demonstrates our commitment to helping to revitalize and rebuild America’s maritime industrial base.” This initiative aligns with broader U.S. government efforts to enhance the nation’s shipbuilding capabilities through substantial Defense Department shipbuilding programs and supportive legislation like the bipartisan SHIPS for America Act, which aims to bolster domestic shipbuilding and maritime suppliers.
