Impact of $38 million Bayou La Batre shipyard upgrade goes beyond 130 new jobs

### Bayou La Batre Shipyard Expansion

A $38 million investment aimed at enhancing the capabilities and workforce of a Bayou La Batre shipyard marks a significant step in a growing trend that has been building for at least two years.

On Thursday, Birdon, an international shipbuilder, provided an update on its plans for the recently acquired former Metal Shark Boats facility. The plans include a new 65,000-square-foot vessel fabrication center featuring an advanced welding system, supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Local officials welcomed the announcement, which is backed by Mobile County tax incentives. The Mobile Chamber reported that Birdon received a 50% abatement of non-educational ad valorem taxes for five years, valued at approximately $427,172, as well as a 50% abatement of non-educational sales and use taxes during construction, estimated at $462,450.

The Chamber stated that this development is expected to create 136 new jobs, bringing the total workforce at the yard to over 200. Mobile Chamber President and CEO Bradley Byrne highlighted Birdon’s investment as a testament to the local workforce’s strength, emphasizing its potential to provide well-paying jobs and reinforce the region’s maritime industry.

Bayou La Batre Mayor Henry Barnes expressed enthusiasm for Birdon’s expansion, stating that it affirms the city’s position as a vital hub for shipbuilding and marine innovation. Mobile County Commission President Randall Dueitt added that the investment reflects the resilience and capabilities of the local workforce and will have a lasting positive impact on the community.

Birdon is a family-owned company with a diverse portfolio in the maritime, military, and resource sectors, operating globally across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Australia.

In October 2022, Birdon was awarded a $1.187 billion contract to design and build 27 Waterway Commerce Cutters (WCCs) for the U.S. Coast Guard. These vessels, including River Buoy Tenders and Inland Construction Tenders, are designed to military standards and are equipped to accommodate up to 19 crew members for extended periods.

The WCCs will help maintain and protect 12,000 miles of inland and intra-coastal waterways, supporting the upkeep of over 28,000 navigation aids, while also serving in search-and-rescue and environmental protection missions. The current vessels performing these roles average 58 years in age.

In July 2023, Birdon announced its first major subcontracts, valued between $10 million and $50 million, with several Gulf Coast companies, including Kern Martin Services in Coden and Hiller Marine in Mobile. Kern Martin, which specializes in marine interiors, expressed optimism about the contract’s potential to sustain and grow jobs in the area.

Additionally, in August 2023, Birdon selected Master Boat Builders in Coden to construct superstructures for the WCC program, marking another significant local collaboration.

In February 2024, Birdon finalized its acquisition of the 32-acre Metal Shark Boats shipyard in Bayou La Batre, a move that Metal Shark described as a growth opportunity for both companies. This acquisition is seen as crucial for fulfilling the WCC program and enhancing the shipyard’s infrastructure.

Birdon plans to retain the existing workforce while making substantial investments in the shipyard’s facilities, anticipating the creation of 300 new jobs over the next two years. The shipyard is well-equipped for large-scale construction, featuring multiple cranes and capabilities for building vessels up to 300 feet in length.

Birdon’s recent announcements outline its commitment to upgrading the Metal Shark facility, emphasizing the importance of a local shipyard for producing the WCCs. The company has received U.S. Coast Guard certification to support larger vessel operations, further enabling its plans for expansion.

In July, Birdon secured a nearly $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, earmarked for an automated welding system (AWS) that promises to enhance efficiency and quality in shipbuilding.

Birdon’s CEO, Jamie Bruce, affirmed the company’s commitment to providing high-quality vessels while equipping its workforce with modern tools and facilities. Construction on the upgrades is set to begin immediately, with completion anticipated by August 2027, as Birdon works to deliver the 27 new ships over the next decade.