Defense Tech Company Selects Gulfport for Autonomous Ship Testing
Saronic, a defense technology company focused on autonomous maritime systems, has established a testing and commissioning site at the Port of Gulfport in Mississippi. The site will be used to support the deployment of Marauder, a 180-foot autonomous vessel, as the company ramps up production and moves ships from manufacturing to final delivery, according to a company announcement Sunday.
The expansion was announced at an event attended by U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, Gov. Tate Reeves representatives, Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, U.S. Rep. Mike Ezell’s office, and leaders from the Port of Gulfport and the University of Southern Mississippi. Saronic CEO Dino Mavrookas praised Gulfport’s ecosystem of industry, academic, and government partners, calling it ideal for testing and commissioning autonomous ships.
Officials highlighted Mississippi’s recent investments in infrastructure and research to bolster uncrewed maritime systems. The Mississippi State Port Authority has expanded the Port of Gulfport into a deepwater container hub, while the University of Southern Mississippi’s Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise conducts research and development on uncrewed maritime systems and blue technology.
Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, credited Saronic’s expansion as part of Mississippi’s growing role in the defense industry. “Thanks to innovators like Saronic, unmanned technology is advancing faster, ships are built more efficiently, and our warfighters are better equipped for the challenges ahead,” he said.
Governor Reeves cited Mississippi’s maritime infrastructure and skilled workforce as key factors attracting companies like Saronic. He noted plans, pending congressional approval and funding, to deepen and widen the federal channel serving the Port of Gulfport from 36 to 46 feet deep and from 300 to 350 feet wide.
Additional support came from Port of Gulfport CEO Jon Nass, Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, and Rep. Mike Ezell. Ezell emphasized the significance for Mississippi’s workforce and national defense, stating, “The decision to establish Gulfport as the site for Marauder’s testing is a major win for Mississippi and a testament to the unmatched capabilities of our Gulf Coast workforce.”
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