Autonomous maritime technology company Saronic announced Dec. 3 a $300 million investment to expand its shipyard at Franklin, La., to increase production capacity for Saronic’s line of autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) and add 1,500 skilled jobs to its workforce.
Saronic acquired its 100-acre Franklin site from shipbuilder Gulf Craft in April 2025, and undertook its expansion with help from partnerships including Louisiana Economic Development, St. Mary Parish, and other state and local officials. In November, Saronic broke ground to add more than 300,000 sq. ft. of new production capacity.
Company officials say they expect completion by the end of 2026 and expanded operations online in early 2027.
“This expansion represents what American industry can achieve when innovation and production are fully aligned,” said Dino Mavrookas, Saronic’s co-founder and CEO. “Our expanded shipyard will enable us to deliver autonomous ships at unprecedented speed and scale while creating 1,500 high-quality jobs across Louisiana. Together with our next-generation Port Alpha shipyard, we’re establishing the modern blueprint for American shipbuilding — an integrated ecosystem that connects autonomy innovation with large-scale production capacity to strengthen and sustain America’s maritime leadership for generations to come.”
As part of the shipyard expansion, Saronic will construct three new slips, expand its warehouse, and develop a dedicated production line for large-vessel assembly of its Marauder 180’ autonomous ship design. Saronic is collaborating with industry leaders JacobsWyper Architects, P2S, KPFF, JE Dunn, and Alberici on the design and construction.
“Saronic Technologies’ decision to invest in Louisiana speaks to the strength of our workforce and the state’s leadership in defense manufacturing,” Gov. Jeff Landry said in a joint statement with the company. “Louisiana has long built the ships and technology that keep America strong. This project shows that our people, our ports, and our pro-growth policies are creating jobs and securing our state’s place at the forefront of America’s defense economy.”
“Saronic’s expansion draws on Louisiana’s historic strengths — a world-class maritime workforce, generations of shipbuilders and unmatched technical expertise,” said Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois. “This project builds on that proud legacy by integrating new technology and innovation to ensure our state continues leading in the maritime and defense sectors for decades to come.”
At its Franklin facility is currently constructing two 150-foot Marauder vessels at Franklin, having progressed from initial design to full vessel development in six months, with the first to launch by the end of 2025, the company says.
Saronic officials say they are using vertical integration, iterative design, and advanced manufacturing to evolve the Marauder’s design to 180’, enhancing its payload capacity and operational range. The updated vessel is capable of hosting up to four 40’ or eight 20’ ISO containers, providing modularity for logistics, payload delivery, and sustained operations at sea. With a cruise speed of 12 knots and a top speed of 25-plus knots, a 150-metric-ton payload capacity, and a range of up to 5,400 nautical miles, the Marauder can operate autonomously or under remote supervision for extended missions.
“By employing reusable subassemblies, optimizing production sequencing, and leveraging domestic supply chains, Saronic is setting a new standard for rapid, scalable, and adaptable U.S. shipbuilding,” according to company officials. “The company’s unique approach to developing and producing autonomous ships has already delivered a 25% gain in efficiency between the development and build of its first two Marauder vessels, and the company plans to further accelerate that rate of efficiency as it ramps up production.”
Since moving into Franklin in April, Saronic says it has tripled the workforce from an initial team of roughly 30 employees to more than 100. Plans call to grow the local workforce to 1,500 new jobs over the coming years, across welding, fabrication, engineering, and systems integration.
“These positions will be supported by local workforce training programs and educational partnerships, ensuring that Louisiana’s skilled labor force continues to grow alongside the region’s maritime industry,” the company said Dec. 3.
Saronic is recruiting for its Louisiana positions online, with current opportunities listed here on the Saronic careers page; potential applicants can register here to be notified about the company’s job opportunities, hiring events, and news updates through LED FastStart Recruiting.
“Saronic’s Franklin expansion represents a major investment in the Gulf Coast’s maritime economy and workforce. By blending traditional shipbuilding expertise with cutting-edge autonomy and manufacturing approaches, Saronic is creating new opportunities for both seasoned tradespeople and next-generation talent.”
