Birdon America Unveils Major Shipyard Plans in Florida
Birdon America Inc., based in Denver, has announced an ambitious project to construct a 400,000-square-foot shipbuilding facility at the Port of Pensacola, Florida. Operations are slated to commence in the third quarter of 2027. This initiative, backed by a $76 million grant from Triumph Gulf Coast, aims to bolster the local economy and enhance the U.S. maritime industry.
Investment and Economic Impact
The shipyard project, referred to as “Project Maeve,” represents a significant investment of approximately $275 million. This includes $105 million allocated for construction, $25 million for site preparation and port utility upgrades, and $145 million for necessary equipment. The City of Pensacola will own the facility and lease it long-term to Birdon, ensuring a sustainable economic partnership.
Birdon’s new facility will focus on naval and defense-related work, with capabilities to produce complex modules for Navy ships, submarines, and surface vessels up to 400 feet in length. The company anticipates generating over 3 million production man-hours annually, creating around 2,000 jobs in engineering, skilled trades, and support roles. This expansion is expected to significantly contribute to the local job market and the broader maritime industrial base in the United States.
Tony Ardito, president of Birdon America, emphasized the company’s commitment to revitalizing the maritime industry. He stated, “Birdon has an excellent track record as a reliable partner to U.S. government customers. 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.”
Strategic Importance and Future Prospects
The establishment of the Pensacola shipyard aligns with the U.S. government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen domestic shipbuilding capabilities. This initiative is part of a broader strategy that includes multi-billion-dollar Defense Department shipbuilding programs and the Navy’s new Maritime Industrial Base office. Legislation like the bipartisan SHIPS for America Act further supports these efforts by providing funding and resources for domestic shipbuilding.
Birdon Group, the parent company based in Australia, operates across multiple continents, including the United States, Europe, and Asia. The Pensacola facility will be the company’s sixth location in the U.S., complementing existing operations that include the construction of Waterways Commerce Cutters for the U.S. Coast Guard in Alabama and the 47’ Motor Lifeboat Service Life Extension Program in Washington and Connecticut.
Birdon begins construction on first Waterways Commerce Cutter
As Birdon America moves forward with this significant investment, the company aims to leverage the latest technology and modern shipbuilding practices, positioning itself as a key player in the revitalization of the U.S. maritime sector.
