In November, we broke the news that the City of Pensacola had submitted a request to Triumph Gulf Coast for $75 million to bring advanced maritime manufacturing to the Port of Pensacola.
Triumph’s economic analysis has been posted, and the project is estimated to bring $33.6 of additional household income for every Triumph dollar expended.
The proposal goes before the Triumph Gulf Coast Board of Directors today for approval.
Transformational Shipbuilding Initiative
The proposal, dubbed “Project Maeve,” would create approximately 2,000 high-wage jobs over five years—with average annual salaries exceeding $80,000, roughly 140% of Escambia County’s current average wage. The total project investment is estimated at $275 million.
A National Security Priority
The project directly supports objectives outlined in the President’s April 2025 Executive Order, “Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance,” which calls for rebuilding domestic maritime industries to support both national security and economic resilience.
“Project Maeve represents a transformational opportunity to position the Port of Pensacola and Northwest Florida as a national hub for advanced shipbuilding, maritime technology, and defense-related manufacturing,” according to the city’s more detailed application.
The Maritime Industrial Base Office at the Department of the Navy has formally endorsed the project. In a letter of support, Matthew Evans, Deputy Program Director, praised the initiative’s potential contribution to expanding America’s maritime industrial capacity.
The Facilities and Capabilities
The project envisions two phases of construction, creating 400,000 square feet of advanced manufacturing space:
- Phase 1: Panel line and module fabrication warehouse
- Phase 2: Assembly bays capable of producing vessels up to 400 feet
The facilities would be capable of producing complex Navy ship modules for Tier 1 shipyards, submarine modules, and complete surface vessels.
- Construction costs total $105 million, with an additional $25 million for site preparation and port utility upgrades, and $145 million in equipment.
Triumph staff rated the proposal with an “A” score, projecting a return on investment of $33.6 of additional household income for every Triumph dollar expended—translating to $2.55 billion in additional household income over ten years.
Workforce Development and Regional Impact
The job breakdown includes approximately 1,437 advanced manufacturing positions in skilled trades like electricians, machinists, and welders, plus 563 engineering and administrative roles.
The University of West Florida has committed to workforce partnerships. A UWF Haas Center workforce study found strong recruitment opportunities across the Southeast, identifying numerous counties producing more graduates in shipbuilding-related occupations than local markets can absorb—positioning the Gulf Coast as an attractive destination for skilled workers.
Public Infrastructure Investment
The City of Pensacola would retain ownership of the facilities as public infrastructure through a long-term ground lease with Project Maeve. This structure ensures Triumph-funded improvements remain publicly owned assets that could support future maritime tenants if needed.
- More Grants Needed: Additional funding sources include a pending $14 million request to Florida Commerce and $15 million in company contributions or future grants. The project would be constructed on publicly owned land, with completion projected within 30 months of funding approval.
The application emphasizes the project’s alignment with the region’s strategic vision, noting it would advance one of Northwest Florida’s five strategic target industries identified in the Northwest Florida Forward report: the water transportation cluster.
