Pensacola one step closer to 2,000 shipbuilding jobs
A significant shipbuilding and advanced manufacturing initiative in Pensacola has taken a crucial step forward, with the Triumph Gulf Coast board voting to negotiate a proposed $76 million grant. This project, known as Project Maeve, is expected to generate approximately 2,000 jobs, marking a transformative moment for the city. Mayor D.C. Reeves expressed optimism, stating that this development will fulfill promises made to local taxpayers and reshape the city’s future.
Project Details and Economic Impact
The Triumph Gulf Coast board’s recent vote authorizes its staff and legal team to begin negotiations with the City of Pensacola regarding Project Maeve. This preliminary agreement will outline essential terms, timelines, performance metrics, and financial protections before any final approval is sought from the board. The project is spearheaded by Birdon America Inc., a maritime engineering and shipbuilding firm with an established presence in the Gulf Coast region. Birdon operates a shipyard in Bayou La Batre, Alabama, where it constructs vessels and provides repair services for federal agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard.
City officials project that Project Maeve will create 1,437 jobs with an average annual salary of approximately $68,000, alongside an additional 563 positions with an average salary of around $112,000. The proposal includes the construction of two new industrial buildings at the city-owned Port of Pensacola, covering a total area of about 400,000 square feet. The first phase will feature a panel line and module fabrication facility designed for cutting, shaping, and welding steel ship sections. A subsequent phase will introduce a larger assembly building to accommodate more complex components.
Overall, the estimated cost of the project is around $275 million. The Triumph funding is specifically earmarked for building construction, while the city will maintain ownership of the facilities as public infrastructure. Birdon will lease the buildings long-term. Additional expenses, such as equipment purchases and site preparation, will be financed through a combination of Birdon’s investment and other funding sources, including a pending request to the Florida Department of Commerce.
