US defense company Saronic Technologies has announced a $300 million investment to expand its Franklin, Louisiana, shipyard, to increase production capacity for its fleet of autonomous surface vessels (ASVs).
As disclosed, Saronic is expanding its facility to meet surging demand for its autonomous ships. The company broke ground on the new construction project in November 2025, which will add more than 300,000 square feet of new production capacity. The project is slated for completion by the end of 2026, with expanded operations coming online in early 2027.
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, namely Marauder, the company’s 55-meter autonomous ship. The keel-laying ceremony for the vessel was held in August this year, marking the official start of production for this new class of fully autonomous ships.
The company is collaborating with industry partners JacobsWyper Architects, P2S, KPFF, JE Dunn, and Alberici on the design and construction.
“This expansion represents what American industry can achieve when innovation and production are fully aligned,” said Dino Mavrookas , Saronic Co-founder and CEO.
“T ogether 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.”
At its Franklin facility, Saronic is currently constructing two 45.7-meter Marauder vessels, having progressed from initial design to full vessel development in six months. The company expects to splash its first vessel by the end of the year.
Meanwhile, the firm has evolved Marauder’s design to 55 meters, enhancing its payload capacity and operational range. With a cruise speed of 12 knots and a top speed of 25+ 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.
The Franklin facility complements Saronic’s plans for Port Alpha, designed to produce large autonomous ships.
These two facilities form an integrated production ecosystem designed to accelerate America’s shipbuilding capabilities and the integration of autonomous ships into national maritime operations.