The Port of Gulfport welcomes 63,000 square feet of cutting-edge production capacity.
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A significant milestone for maritime technology took place on Tuesday, October 17, as Ocean Aero – a leading innovator in unmanned ocean systems – unveiled its new headquarters and manufacturing facility at the Port of Gulfport on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Boasting 63,000 square feet of state-of-the-art production space, this new facility represents a substantial addition to America’s industrial manufacturing landscape.
The opening of the Ocean Aero facility showcases the company’s commitment to advancing marine technology and furthering the blue economy, set to redefine ocean data collection by underscoring the pivotal role of oceans in research and development.
Production Capacity and Growth Prospects
The newly inaugurated facility is primed to enable the production of up to 150 TRITON annually, making it a vital cornerstone of Ocean Aero’s expansion plan. This marks just the first phase, with options for additional annexes adjacent to the facility, potentially boosting production capacity by an additional 450 TRITONS per year.
“We’re very proud of what the team has accomplished in our two years located in Mississippi and are looking forward to an even brighter future,” stated Ocean Aero CEO Kevin Decker.
Decker also emphasized the auspicious timing for expanding their production base, given the recent announcement of Replicator and other programs supported at both the US Navy and Department of Defense levels.
Since establishing its roots in Mississippi, Ocean Aero has forged strong partnerships with the US Navy and global stakeholders. The company’s international outreach extends to engagements with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and various universities for scientific services, marking a testament to its global impact and relevance.
Community Integration and Acknowledgment
The Ocean Aero team expressed deep gratitude for the support received from the Gulf Blue ecosystem and the local Mississippi community.
“The talent of our employees from the Mississippi area, the support we have received from the Gulf Blue ecosystem, and the unwavering dedication of the Mississippi elected officials have exceeded our expectations in every way,” shared Decker. “We’re honored to be citizens of the local community.”
The company’s establishment in Mississippi has been a collaborative effort, garnering support from a host of Mississippi’s political leadership.
Organizations such as the Mississippi Development Authority, the Harrison County Development Commission, Mississippi Power, the University of Southern Mississippi, and the Port of Gulfport have played instrumental roles in facilitating this endeavor.
The years-long process was championed by Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith and Senator Roger Wicker.
Paving the Way for a Sustainable Blue Economy
Laura Hipp, Deputy Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority, praised Ocean Aero’s contribution to the development of a sustainable and thriving blue economy. By harnessing the potential of coastal resources, Ocean Aero stands as a beacon of innovation and environmental stewardship, exemplifying the transformative power of marine technology.
Hipp remarked, “The company’s commitment to advancing marine technology not only positions Mississippi as a leader within the blue economy, it underscores the crucial role of our oceans in R&D and in shaping the future of our economy as a whole.”
About Ocean Aero
Ocean Aero is a trailblazer in the creation, manufacturing, and distribution of advanced unmanned ocean systems technology. Its flagship product, The TRITON, represents a groundbreaking advancement in maritime exploration.
The TRITON, the world’s first and only environmentally-powered Autonomous Underwater and Surface Vehicle (AUSV), combines the ability to sail and submerge, facilitating unparalleled versatility capable of ocean data collection and maritime exploration. Its environmentally friendly power source is what sets it apart, reducing the environmental impact while ensuring sustainability.
Furthermore, it also plays a vital role in military operations, aiding in reconnaissance and intelligence gathering while enhancing maritime security by detecting and responding to threats in coastal and open waters.
With readily deployable packages and customizable payloads, Ocean Aero brings the ocean and its data within reach. This revolutionary hardware and software are poised to transform maritime exploration, providing a platform for a wide array of applications.
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Ocean Aero’s latest establishment of its state-of-the-art facility marks a pivotal moment not only for the company but for the broader landscape of maritime technology. Its innovation promises to be at the forefront of this crucial endeavor as the world looks toward sustainable solutions and a deeper understanding of our oceans.
The company’s expansion sets the stage for a new era in marine exploration, one that promises to yield invaluable insights into the mysteries of the deep.
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