TopShip Investing $68M In Mississippi Shipbuilding Operation

Edison Chouest Offshore will receive more than $36M in incentives, including grants, workforce training, and infrastructure improvement assistance to establish its TopShip facility.

Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO), an offshore energy service and supply company, will invest $68 million to establish shipbuilding operations at the Port of Gulfport in Gulfport, MS. Dubbed TopShip, LLC, the project will create 1,000 full-time jobs and be located at the Port of Gulfport’s new inland port on Seaway Road. 

topship
Governor Phil Bryant announces the TopShip project. (Source: Mississippi Development Authority)

On Feb. 5, the Mississippi Legislature voted on an incentive package in support of the project. Lawmakers approved $11 million through the Mississippi Major Economic Impact Authority – $10 million in discretionary grants and $1 million for workforce training. The Port of Gulfport, through its restoration budget, is also providing $25 million in Katrina-CDBG funds for infrastructure improvements. The city of Gulfport and Harrison County are providing personal property tax abatements in support of the project.

“I would like to personally thank Governor Phil Bryant, MDA Executive Director Glenn McCullough, State Port Authority Executive Director Jonathan Daniels and their staffs for the warm welcome and assistance they have extended to TopShip,” said ECO President and CEO Gary Chouest. “We are indeed excited about the opportunities to grow TopShip in a business friendly state, one where we can reach out into the community to recruit various skill sets, developing a quality workforce that will allow TopShip not only to compete locally, but also globally. With the help of the state of Mississippi, we will modify our TopShip facility to become one of the safest and most efficient shipyards in the nation, building Chouest pride for our employees. The strategic location of TopShip will allow us to take advantage of the deepwater Port of Gulfport and their future expansion plans.  Born in Mississippi, I am back home.”

“Edison Chouest Offshore has been successfully producing quality vessels for decades, and through its business affiliate TopShip, 1,000 Mississippians on the Gulf Coast will have the opportunity to continue that tradition of quality,” said Gov. Phil Bryant. “Mississippi has a proven track record in the shipbuilding industry, and we are proud to welcome TopShip to the state. I appreciate Gary Chouest and the entire Edison Chouest Offshore team for placing their confidence in our business climate and for their continued support of the Gulf Coast region and its residents. The state of Mississippi looks forward to many years partnership with this great company.”

TopShip Investing $68M In Mississippi Shipbuilding Operation
Source: Port of Gulfport

“The governor’s change in vision has allowed the Port of Gulfport flexibility to further expand and acquire the Huntington Ingalls facility. This has allowed MDA to put together an incentive package, bringing TopShip, LLC to the Port and creating a significant number of jobs for coastal residents,” said Jonathan Daniels, Mississippi State Port Authority executive director and CEO. “Secondarily, TopShip’s operations on Seaway Road will link seamlessly with our modernized, deep-water draft facility, creating expanded cargo opportunities and leading to additional job creation.”

Founded in 1960 in Galliano, LA as Edison Chouest Boat Rental, ECO companies are now recognized as some of the most diverse and dynamic maritime transportation solutions providers in the world. ECO operates a growing fleet of more than 250 vessels ranging from 87 to more than 360 feet in length. ECO designs, builds, owns and operates diverse, high-capacity, technologically superior vessels.

Capital Investment, Daily News, Economic Development, Industries, Manufacturing, Mississippi, Ports & Free Trade Zones, Site Selection Factors, USA - Southeast

Business Incentives, Capital Investment, Economic Development, Edison Chouest Offshore, Mississippi, Mississippi Development authority, Mississippi Major Economic Impact Authority, Port of Gulfport, Shipbuilding, TopShip

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